Earlier this month, it was announced that Warner Bros. bought the rights to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and hired Whit Anderson to reboot the franchise in her screenwriting debut. This news led to internet outrage that Warner Bros. was going through with a Buffy film without involving Joss Whedon in any way whatsoever in their plans.  Whedon released a statement, saying

“I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death.  But, you know, AFTER.  I don’t love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I’m also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly.”

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Whedon was reportedly approached about the Buffy reboot, but he passed.  Read why after the jump.

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I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who thought Whedon’s statement, combined with all the news we know so far about the upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, made the people behind this film seem like clueless idiots.  I mean, how could they make a Buffy film and not involve Whedon at all?  That’s why I’m a bit surprised to learn that Whedon was actually approached about the film after all.

According to Heat Vision, Whedon was approached last year when Fran Rubel and Kaz Kuzui, the rightsholders, began developing the remake.  Whedon decided to pursue other projects.  This decision makes sense, though, when your next project is The Avengers.

After Whedon passed, the producers began searching for writers for the film.  They eventually decided on Whit Anderson, who “came up with a take on the Buffy myth that was strong enough after a couple of drafts to lure Atlas, which partnered with Vertigo to set it up at a studio.” It’ll be interesting to see how much Anderson’s take differs from Whedon’s beloved take on the character and the universe he created, since she is now treading on some sacred geek ground.

I’m personally a bit disappointed that Whedon is not involved in the upcoming reboot/remake.  I understand his reasons for deciding to focus all his energy on The Avengers instead.  But I can’t help but wish that Whedon would’ve taken on at least a sort of “godfather” role on the film, or served as a producer.