‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ could return to TV as NBC series

“Xena: Warrior Princess” is trying to fight its way back to television, led by executive producers Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi, who helped shape the original show.

Hero Complex can confirm that a “Xena” reboot is in the works for NBC. The news was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter.

The character debuted on “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” in 1995, and was originally intended to die off in her first appearance. She was instead extremely popular, enough to warrant getting her own spinoff syndicated series that aired from 1995 to 2001.

Lucy Lawless played the title heroine, who traveled with her sidekick/companion Gabrielle (Renee O’Connor), on a bit of a quest to redeem herself for her past sins. The duo took down evildoers, warlords, monsters and more along the way, also molding Gabrielle into an Amazon warrior.

There have been constant rumors about a big-screen version of the show, but that hasn’t materialized. Lawless was most recently seen at Comic-Con International in San Diego as she helped promote Raimi’s “Ash vs. Evil Dead” series, on which she plays Ruby.

She gave no particular hints of the reboot at the panel. Since “Xena” ended, Lawless has played numerous genre roles, including memorable stints on “Battlestar Galactica,” “Spartacus” and, more recently, “Marvel’s Agents of Shield,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Salem.”

No word on whether Lawless is involved in the new incarnation. Some reports indicate that the actress is “interested” in reviving the franchise, but she has since responded on Twitter saying that the reboot is a rumor.

Twitter: @storiz