Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski provides a new update for fans regarding the cult show’s highly anticipated potential reboot. Back in September last year, Straczynski announced a Babylon 5 reboot in conjunction with The CW network. The much-loved ‘90s space opera first aired on the Warner Bros.' now defunct PTEN network in January 1994. Following the human staff and alien diplomats living aboard a galactic space station, the show ran five seasons and was hugely successful, with a dedicated fan base that has endured in the years since the show ended.
With just over a year since the reboot was announced, a new tweet from Straczynski provides fans with a cautious update. According to the Changeling writer, there has been no definitive decision made by the network yet, with the Babylon 5 reboot delayed by a year due to The CW changing owners. Straczynski promises to be straight with fans and remains hopeful of a decision:
How The CW's Babylon 5 Reboot Can Succeed
The lack of concrete update from Straczynski might come as a frustration to many fans, and it is likely equally frustrating for him. But project development takes time, especially reboots, and the acquisition of The CW by Nexstar has likely delayed a lot of projects. However, the enduring appeal of Babylon 5 should leave fans feeling positive about the future of the from-the-ground-up reboot, especially with Straczynski once again at the helm.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out, and where the reboot lies on Straczynski’s list of priorities, with reports last year emerging that the 68-year-old had contacted BBC about becoming the new Doctor Who showrunner. However, it seems likely that the appetite for more Babylon 5, along with the freedom to reboot the universe, would take precedence over other projects. Many reboots fail because they don’t give the necessary respect to the original source material, alienating fans in the process. Having creator and writer Straczynski in charge of the reboot is likely to make for a much more creatively pleasing series, while also appeasing fans of the original and setting their minds at ease about the franchise they love.
There is clearly still a market for elevated sci-fi, and a Babylon 5 remake would no doubt find an audience on The CW. Whether this project might also result in the rekindling of the now abandoned Babylon 5 movie reboot as well remains to be seen. For now, it is likely that Straczynski and fans will be happy to simply get the pilot reboot over the line, and see what becomes of the new era of Babylon 5.
Source: Straczynski/Twitter