FAITH SPINOFF? Comments from other sources

February 20, 2003

Few Faith spinoff snippets... this is from a YM interview with David Boreanaz:

YM: Have you heard about the rumors of a spin-off with Faith?
DB: Yeah, I've heard of the rumors and I think it would be a fantastic thing. But you also have to remember it's a personal decision for the person who wants to do the show, because it's a lot of work.

Frank at the Spoiler Slayer has also posted his speculation on a possible Faith spinoff (who would be in the cast, etc.)

But in his latest 'Buffy' review, Hercules at Ain't It Cool News included a good reply about why he hasn't reported on the spinoff: (and why we should be cautious with the news)

How come you haven’t reported that news about Eliza Dushku starring in a new 'Buffy' spinoff?

For the same reason the New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and every other legit source hasn’t reported it. The initial report was unsourced and printed in something called the London Express. It seems to be based on an old, unsourced and perhaps bogus rumor that Dushku had been offered a 'Buffy' spinoff but had yet to decide if she wanted to accept. The Express report was picked up by BBC Online, which was picked up by the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). But we’ve heard no confirmation from studio 20th Century Fox, producer Mutant Enemy or network UPN that Sarah Michelle Gellar is officially leaving the series or that UPN has greenlit a replacement spinoff. (But we’ll learn soon enough.)

February 14, 2003

The UK Daily Express ran an 'exclusive' story today that confirms Eliza has agreed to star in a Buffy spinoff. (The BBC and subsequently a lot of other news sites, have also picked up on the story.) However, there are some mistakes in their report - for instance, Eliza will be appearing in the final five episodes, not the final three - so I'd hold off on believing the news until it comes from the mouths of Mutant Enemy, Fox/UPN or Eliza herself.

Daily Express
MEET THE NEW BUFFY
EXCLUSIVE By Ruth Hilton Showbusiness Editor

BUFFY the Vampire Slayer will live on, with a new star.

She is sultry Eliza Dushku, who has already appeared in the hit TV series as moody Faith. As the Daily Express revealed in August, current star Sarah Michelle Gellar has quit to concentrate on her film career.

So the show's producers have persuaded Eliza, 22, to take over the lead role.

First, however, she will appear alongside Gellar in the final three episodes of the current series, shown on Thursdays on Sky One.

She will keep the role of Faith rather than play Buffy, to enable occasional cameo appearances by Gellar.

Although Faith has been something of a bad girl on the show, the character is popular and producers believe she's the best bet for holding on to fans. Other ideas considered but rejected included making Buffy's younger sister Dawn the main star.

February 4, 2003

After the column on her 'Angel' set visit, Kristin spoke about the spinoff yet again in her online chat:

From stacy:You say a Faith spinoff for Buffy? No...bored now, too cartoony. Spike, Willow, Anya--but not her!
No need to worry--yet. Eliza's still deciding whether or not she wants to do it. As you can see from this week's column, she has a few concerns about signing on the dotted line.

From silverblue76: Stacy is an idiot. A Faith spinoff would rule.
Gotta back you up on that one, my man (lady?). Eliza has such great energy and is such a joy to be around, she'd bring a whole new attitude to the Buffyverse. The question, though, is who would helm the show. UPN is the network asking for the spinoff, so we know the channel, but the showrunner could make or break the show, and as far as I know, that has not yet been decided.

January 27, 2003

Kristin was asked again about the spinoff on her chat:

From loodyblues: Any word on the fate of Buffy?
Yay, loody! Been looking for this Q. I've heard producers have approached Eliza Dushku about a Faith spinoff, but she hasn't yet decided whether she wants to do it. I visited the Angel set on Friday--the entire cast was there, including Alyson Hannigan, who's guesting on an upcoming ep--but wasn't able to talk to Eliza about the haps. So we have to hold our breath and wait for the outcome. But I do believe Buffy as we know it is coming to an end.

September 19, 2002

Wanda on E! Online was asked what she thought about the possibility of a Faith spin-off:

So, if Faith is coming back for the last five Buffy eps, do you think they might be planning a Faith spinoff, if Sarah Michelle doesn't re-sign?
From your mouth to Joss' ears. They truly, truly have not decided the fate of the show or whether SMG will be back. However, yes, it does sound like this is a very strong contingency plan. I'm sure Joss and Marti have heard the reaction to the possibility of "Dawn the Vampire Slayer." I'm curious, though, what do you all think of a Faith spinoff?