Nicolas Winding Refn Reveals Why He’s Not Making the Barbarella TV Series

Nicolas Winding Refn Reveals Why He's Not Making the Barbarella TV Series

As a lifelong fan of sci-fi and cult classics, the news about the potential Barbarella reboot has me buzzing with anticipation! It’s been a long time coming, and I can only imagine the thrill of seeing this iconic character brought to life once again.


For over a decade now, there have been plans to create a TV series adaptation of “Barbarella,” with writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, along with director Nicolas Winding Refn involved. Reports suggested that Amazon Studios had taken up the project, but no further updates were shared since then. Recently, Refn has spoken about why he’s decided not to proceed with the project. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he stated that sometimes, the concept of a project can be more captivating than the actual process of executing it.

“To put it another way, discussing potential projects like remaking ‘Logan’s Run’ or ‘Barbarella’ can be more enjoyable than actually working on them. However, I haven’t turned down any offers; they just never seemed to come to fruition. The allure of the idea is often greater than the reality itself. For me, creating my own projects gives a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to find elsewhere, though it might be because I haven’t found the perfect project yet. If an opportunity like Batwoman or Batgirl arises, I’ll definitely consider it. I have a deep affection for Hollywood and its unique charm – the glamour, iconography, and excitement it offers. I’m patiently waiting for the right project to come along, but until then, my freedom is incredibly important to me.”

A Barbarella Reboot is In the Works at Sony

Although Nick Refn’s Barbarella television project hasn’t progressed, a film reboot starring and produced by Sydney Sweeney has been under development since 2022. Recent news indicates that Edgar Wright is being considered for directing duties, while Jane and Honey Goldman are in discussions to collaborate with Wright on the script.

What Is Barbarella About?

Originally conceived by Jean-Claude Forest and initially published as serials in V Magazine in 1962, the comic series Barbarella was later compiled into individual books. The story revolves around Barbarella, an astronaut from the 41st century on a mission to apprehend Durand Durand, a malevolent scientist whose Positronic Ray could potentially re-introduce evil throughout the cosmos. The film adaptation of Barbarella, starring Jane Fonda and released in 1968, has since gained cult status. In recent times, Dynamite has published various comics inspired by this popular franchise.

In an interview towards the end of last year, Sweeney expressed his tremendous enthusiasm about delivering a great fit for everyone. Moreover, he emphasized the significance and playful nature of the character in question, stating that he aims to preserve this fun spirit through Barbarella. Therefore, he’s eagerly looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

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2024-09-01 07:09