Last year when we heard that a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot was a strong possibility, it sounded as if even then, creator Joss Whedon‘s involvement was quite doubtful. Recently it was revealed that the reboot was now under the wing of Warner Brothers, and that newcomer Whit Anderson had been hired to write the script.

Whedon responded to the news with humorous words that we all got a chuckle out of, but as it turns out, he may have had the opportunity to work on the movie after all, and chose to turn it down.

According to reports, Whedon was offered the chance to take part in the reboot — possibly as a writer, one would speculate, but most likely as just a producer — last year when we first heard of it. This was when the rights to Buffy were owned by Fran Rubel Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui, who have since sold them to WB, and Whedon decided that he would rather work on other projects. With Joss currently directing Marvel’s juggernaut, The Avengers, you have to assume that he might have been in the midst of trying to score that job when the new Buffy was presented.

Kuzui Enterprises and Vertigo Entertainment are officially working on a possible relaunch of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The relaunch wouldn’t likely involve Buffy-master Joss Whedon, as it would be a new take for a new generation. The original 1992 Whedon-penned script was discovered by Fran Rubel Kuzui, who also directed the movie which starred Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, and Paul Reubens. Fran and her husband Kaz Kuzui, along with Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo are currently exploring options and hearing ideas from writers.

Kuzi explained that they receive inquiries all the time about new sequels, video games, stage shows, and even foreign remakes, but it was Lee’s call and their respect for what he does and Vertigo Entertainment that caught her attention and got things moving forward.

The plan of making a new Buffy for a new generation follows in the footsteps of Star Trek and their many incarnations. While unlikely, there is still a chance that Whedon may become involved in one way or another, but they haven’t contacted him about it yet; and with Dollhouse getting a new season, it’s pretty doubtful aside from maybe a producer role. One thing that is known is that none of the beloved characters like Willow or Spike from the popular show will apparently be involved with this new venture.