Nicolas Winding Refn Explains Why He’s Passed on the Barbarella TV Series

It’s been over a decade since the announcement of a Barbarella television series. Initially, the project boasted writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, alongside filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn. Despite reports suggesting the series had secured a home at Amazon Studios, no substantial progress followed. Recently, Refn discussed the project’s stagnation in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. According to him, the idea of creating the series was more captivating than the actual execution.

Refn elaborated on this sentiment, saying, “Well, let me put it like this: Sometimes the idea is more interesting than the reality. Sitting around the table talking about remaking Logan’s Run is probably more fun than remaking it or Barbarella, for that matter.” He admitted that while he never completely turned down opportunities, talks often failed to materialize into actual projects. “But the illusion is always more exciting than the actual bones of it,” he continued. For Refn, self-driven projects were more gratifying. “I’ve always found if I can make my own projects that define myself, that is more satisfying. But that’s maybe because I haven’t found the right project. I mean sure, I’ll make Batwoman or Batgirl, whatever it’s called, if it comes my way,” he added.

Refn expressed a genuine fondness for Hollywood’s atmosphere: “I love Hollywood, I love the machinery, I love the campiness of it, the iconography and the excitement around it.” Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of creative freedom, concluding, “Being free to do what I want to do every day is, for me, a very essential, very pleasurable experience.”

Although Refn’s television series will not proceed, a Barbarella reboot film is currently in development at Sony. The project is set to star Sydney Sweeney, who also serves as an executive producer. Since 2022, there have been ongoing discussions about Edgar Wright potentially directing the film, with Jane and Honey Goldman negotiating to co-write the script alongside Wright.

Barbarella was originally created by Jean-Claude Forest and serialized in V Magazine in 1962. The comic follows Barbarella, an astronaut from the 41st century, on her mission to stop the malevolent scientist Durand Durand, whose Positronic Ray poses a significant threat to the galaxy. This story was adapted into a 1968 film featuring Jane Fonda, which has since gained cult classic status. Inspired by the original, multiple new comics have been published by Dynamite in recent years.

Reflecting on her role in the upcoming reboot, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm in a late 2022 interview: “I’m really excited to serve all the fits,” she said. “But also, just it’s such an iconic, fun character. And I want to keep that fun alive through Barbarella. So, I’m excited for everyone to see it.”

Despite the long wait and changes in creative direction, the enduring appeal of Barbarella promises to captivate new audiences with this upcoming reboot.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, V Magazine