Whedon's Contract: What Does it Mean for "BtVS" and "Angel"?
© Ellen Ross
As part of the deal, Whedon will be creating and producing a new series for Fox as well as staying on as executive producer on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." The new contract will cover television only, leaving Whedon free to pursue other avenues in the world of feature films.
Among other projects, it is rumored that Whedon will script "Alien 5," although 20th Century Fox is now denying the widely circulated report that both Whedon and the star, Sigourney Weaver, have signed on for a fifth movie.
"I've never had remotely as good a relationship with a studio as I've had with 20th Century Fox TV," Whedon stated. "They've been supportive and creative, and encouraged me to make some powerfully silly TV." Fox's president, Gail Berman, was head of Sandollar Television when Whedon created Buffy there and remains an executive producer of the show. "With Gail Berman at the network now-- who had the idea for a Buffy TV show in the first place -- we're into a synergy-fest," Whedon said. "It's just the place where I want to make shows, and I have a lot more to make, so I'm wicked psyched."
20th Century Fox TV co-president Dana Walden described Whedon as "a brilliant visionary who has the remarkable ability to write in almost any genre." Most fans would agree with that statement. However, Whedon's remarkable abilities may soon be tested by the challenge of multiple, simultaneous commitments.
With Whedon soon to be producing a third series, as well as staying on with "BtVS" and "Angel," and writing major feature films, this good news may have a catch: How much time will Joss Whedon have to devote to each of these projects? Will he be able to maintain the kind of hands-on control of "BtVS" and "Angel" that he has in the past?
There is no word yet on whether the third series will have any connection to the Buffyverse. (Sadly, despite the impermanence of death in the Buffyverse, it is highly unlikely that we will ever see the Doyle series that fans crave.) It is unknown at this point whether any proposal is actually under development yet for the new series, but we can be assured that anything created and produced by Joss Whedon will be worth watching.
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