UPDATE: Here's our casting wishlist for the Buffy reboot.

In a shocking turn of events, a reboot of Joss Whedon's beloved Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series has been announced. Just last year, much of the original show's cast put a hard no on ever returning for a Buffy reboot. Angel actor David Boreanaz has long claimed to be done with his character, placing Angelus firmly behind him.

Glory actress Clare Kramer recently echoed that sentiment, stating simply that nobody wanted a Buffy reboot, especially without the original cast attached. That did not stop executives, however, as FOX went on record saying a Buffy reboot would definitely be in the cards should Whedon ever decide he was interested. As it turns out, Whedon is interested.

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Deadline reports Joss Whedon will executive produce a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot with Monica Owusu-Breen (Midnight, Texas/Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) overseeing production as showrunner. Several of the show's original execs are set to return to the reboot, including Gail Berman, Fran Kazui, and Kaz Kazui. Joe Earley, a co-worker of Berman's, is also attached to executive produce. At its current stage, the new Slayer is intended to be African-American and the series is said to have a stronger focus on diversity. The writers, have, however, cautioned that the project is in its very early stages and nothing is yet set in stone. The series will be pitched to networks and streaming companies over the course of the summer.

While the reboot plans to update the series with a contemporary feel and more diversity, the goal is to build on the mythology already laid down by the original series run. The stories will also explore modern issues through the use of supernatural metaphors. The original Buffy frequently used the same tactic; vampires appeared as stand-ins for domestic abuse or the excessive use of magic spells was used to represent drug addiction.

The reboot has actually been in deliberation since fall of last year, but no steps were taken to move forward until Whedon felt sure he had found the right writer to revitalize his vision. He reportedly sought Owusu-Breen specifically, having worked with her previously on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Buffy is just one of a handful of supernatural WB teen dramas that are being rebooted. Charmed has been updated with a multicultural, LGBT cast and Roswell will tackle issues of immigration and racism. Both shows will air on The CW, so it's possible that Buffy could end up there as well.

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Source: Deadline