TV News

SDCC: Joss Whedon's Dollhouse Panel

Source:Blake Wright
July 27, 2008


Writer/creator Joss Whedon told attendees of the "Dollhouse" panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday that he is shooting a second pilot to the new Fox drama in order to better introduce viewers into the world he is creating with the show. Whedon said while he is pleased with the pilot that already exists, the new one – planned as a prequel at this stage – is aimed at better setting-up some of the back story to the Dollhouse organization as well as its cast of characters.

Whedon admitted that Fox was a bit weary of the initial pilot and how the viewer would be thrust into the "Dollhouse" world with well-established characters and little introduction. He added that the decision to do the second shoot was in no way a slam against the initial pilot, which he said he believes is great.

Whedon was asked during the Q&A about the string of fan sites that have already popped up asking the populace to 'Save Dollhouse' – all of this before any of its episode have aired. He said while he appreciated the fandom aspect, he was weary of the message it might send about the show to the general public. He didn't want to couch "Dollhouse" as a show in trouble or something that would only appeal to a niche audience before it even hits the small screen.

He added that while the show is different – no vampires or space ships – it is still about people and, more specifically, their souls – a reoccurring theme in most of his work.

Whedon said that he is open to adding more "Buffy"/"Angel"/"Firefly" alumni to the cast joining Eliza Dushku and Amy Acker, but that he was also excited about the current cast he has assembled, which includes "Battlestar Galactica's" Tahmoh Penikett as FBI Agent Paul Ballard.

Fox has contracted for 13 episodes of "Dollhouse" to air starting in January 2009.

COMMENTS (6)

Posted by:
j
July 27, 2008
Sweet I think this will be great, Firefly was amazing... If ths show doesnt go well with the ratings I hope they end that 13th episode on a closing note for the season. I hope it does well. Also this will be way better then Fringe, I saw that leaked and it wasnt very good its kind of a crappy version of The X Files.
Posted by:
Morgoddess
July 27, 2008
This is fantastic news to me. I love all of Whedon's work and have always been especially fond of the actors involved. I am very excited about this new series.....
Posted by:
trip williams
July 28, 2008
AAAhhhh, Fox is sticking it to him again. Read the subtext people. He was happy with the pilot, the studio wasn't. So, he makes another (fist episode) like he did with Firefly. Fox puts it on in a death slot, probably 9pm Friday, and they destroy this before it ever gets a chance. F&%$ you Fox! Give me back Firefly and Wonderfalls you %&*%%*^&.
Posted by:
GregD
July 28, 2008
I thought Wedon had vowed never to work with Fox after the debacle that was the Firefly airing (out of order episode sequence, crap timeslot, appaling marketing etc)...

A shame he couldn't find another studio that might give the man a chance - he makes some of the best stuff out there.
Posted by:
jo jo
July 28, 2008
I attended the panel and the promo for the pilot does look good. My only reservation was about the panel itself. Whedon and Dushku seem to have a great working relationship and friendship no doubt, but I wish they would have talked more about the new show and less inside jokes amongst themselves. Typically, alot of the questions were either about buffy, firefly or dr. horrible and not enough about this show. A disappointing panel.
Posted by:
trip williams
July 31, 2008
I just watched Dr. Horrible, which you can watch for free on My Space TV, and Hulu.com It was so great, and this is what Joss made during the writers strike! He's a genius, so it not surprising that studios don't understand his stuff. Studio executives are so limited in there imagination. He's shows are watched by millions of hardcore fans, but the out-of-date nelson ratings system doesn't show that. Are we really supposed to believe that American Idol has been the most watched show for the last 5 years, or whatever it is. It's BS! It's not true! People can't be that stupid, at least I still have hope that they're not that stupid, but they probably are. Most people watch Fox news or CNN, but very few watch both like me. If you watch both biased sides you might find the truth somewhere in the middle. At least that's my theory.

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