Fantasy television has seen a renaissance, from sprawling epics like Game of Thrones to animated adventures like The Legend of Vox Machina. But for a generation raised in the '90s, the genre's pinnacle was Xena: Warrior Princess. The series, a spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, followed Lucy Lawless's titular warrior as she sought redemption for a violent past. Ironically, Xena's popularity eclipsed Hercules, cementing her as an enduring icon. While fans have long demanded a reboot, Lawless recently took to Instagram to explain why that hasn't happened—and to pitch a more compelling alternative.
In her post, Lawless reflected on the Xena reboot that was in development from 2015 to 2016 under Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The 100, Lost), which NBC ultimately shelved. Instead of a continuation, she proposed a feature film delving into Xena's formative years. "In my opinion, it would have been far more interesting to make a full-length feature film exploring Xena's past," she wrote. "I would have loved to see her childhood, her birth, her family, her life in Amphipolis, her first hardships, the loss of her brother, and the events that gradually shaped her character and ultimately led her down the dark path of becoming a ruthless warrior."
Lawless's vision is a tantalizing prospect for fans who've only glimpsed Xena's backstory. The original series hinted at a tragic history: her younger brother's death at the hands of warlord Cortese, which fractured her relationship with her mother; a doomed affair with Julius Caesar that ended in betrayal and crucifixion; and the sacrifice of her rescuer, M'Lila, which pushed her fully into darkness. A prequel could explore these pivotal moments, showing how a young woman from Amphipolis transformed into the feared warrior we met in the series.
Such a film would also sidestep the pitfalls of most reboots. Continuing the story is tricky, as Xena sacrificed herself in the series finale, "A Friend in Need," leaving her companion Gabrielle to carry on her legacy. A prequel, however, could enrich the character's arc without undermining that poignant conclusion. It would also allow for deeper exploration of themes like redemption and the choices that define us—elements that made Xena: Warrior Princess so beloved.
Lawless's idea aligns with a growing trend in fantasy storytelling: diving into origin stories. Just as hidden fantasy gems often thrive on unexplored lore, a Xena prequel could expand the universe of both Xena and Hercules, offering fresh narratives while honoring the original's legacy. It's a chance to see the world through younger eyes, to understand the events that forged a legend.
While no official project has been announced, Lawless's pitch has reignited hope among fans. Whether it's a film or a limited series, the idea of exploring Xena's past feels like the natural next step for a franchise that has always been about growth and transformation. As we await any official news, we can revisit the original series and imagine the untold stories that Lawless so vividly describes.
For those who crave more fantasy adventures, check out our list of the best fantasy games of the '90s or explore hidden Netflix horror gems for a different kind of thrill. But for now, Lucy Lawless's vision of a Xena prequel is the fantasy story we should have gotten—and one we can only hope becomes a reality.
