Variety reports that Emmy-wining writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach has been tapped to script the television revival of Xena: Warrior Princess for NBC. Grillo-Marxuach will pen the pilot script and executive produce the series.
As previously reported, original series creators and executive producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are both involved in the series, which seeks to recast the title role as producers are looking for “a sophisticated and smart superhero for a new generation.”
“I don’t think it’s just a continuation,” NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt previously said. “I think it’s a great character, and we should try to figure out how to revive it somehow.”
Inspired by Greek mythology and filtered through a tongue-in-cheek blend of action and slapstick, “Xena” also starred Renne O’Connor as Gabrielle, Xena’s companion and traveling bard, with frequent appearances by Ted Raimi (Sam Raimi’s brother) as Joxer and Bruce Campbell as Autolycus, the King of Thieves. Lawless and Campbell are currently working together on the Starz series, “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” also produced by Raimi and Tapert.
