While the rumours of a reboot have been bubbling below the surface for the last year, Charmed fans, cast, and crew have now publicly lashed out, after the CW confirmed the show would return to airwaves as a “feminist reboot”.
Yes, because a show that was created by a woman, and employed women while chronicling the lives of three powerful female leads raised by a single mother and a grandmother isn’t feminist at all, is it…
Set in the present day in a college town, and written by Jane the Virgin writers Amy Rardin and Jessica O’Toole, the new Charmed will introduce viewers to sisters Mel, Macy and Madison. But here’s the kicker. In the initial press release for the series, CW producers framed the new direction as “this fierce, funny, feminist reboot”, and added that a “strong-willed feminist” sister who identifies as a lesbian would be the “twist” the show needed. And herein lies the problem.
While the idea of a reboot isn’t necessarily an issue (as a die-hard fan I won’t lie, I’m not happy), nor is it a negative in any way that one of the characters identifies as member of the LGBTQI community, the CW labeling this character development a “twist” in a press release is a shockingly bad marketing ploy used to garner attention in the absolute worst way. The release ends with another eye-roll worthy statement about “tearing down the patriarchy” while adding the producers are looking to cast a “devilishly handsome” Whitelighter for the girls to be lead by…
Actress Shannen Doherty who played the character of Prue was quick to air her frustrations on Twitter as the news broke.
Yep. You nailed it. Their wording is terrible and a bit offensive. But, everyone makes mistakes. Perhaps with the backlash they will be more thoughtful in future.
— Shannen Doherty (@DohertyShannen) January 27, 2018
As was Holly Marie Combs, who played Prue’s younger sister, Piper. Holly, who was also credited as a producer in the original series, wasn’t mincing her words, and made it very clear she was not OK with the CW’s approach to the new series.
You had one job @TheCW ?♀️
— Holly Marie Combs (@H_Combs) February 7, 2018
The actress who worked on the progressive and innovative series for all eight seasons, took to Twitter adding it was clear the new producers had never tuned in to the original.
It’s official. They really have never watched it.
— Holly Marie Combs (@H_Combs) February 7, 2018
While some may not get why I take issue with the network that didn’t want to renew Charmed 12 years ago ‘reimagining’ it now let me just say I understand it perfectly. Also this kinda stuff given all that Rose and Alyssa have done lately…um no. Just No https://t.co/Vp2htLtdbR
— Holly Marie Combs (@H_Combs) January 26, 2018
But y’know the 1st press release gave the reboot a feminist “twist”. So. Yeah. Let’s just all hope the actual script is filled with characters that are regarded and treated as equals in their effort to inspire a new generation. And that @TheCW fires their marketing dept soon.(2)
— Holly Marie Combs (@H_Combs) February 8, 2018
While fellow cast members Rose McGowan and Alyssa Milano also shared their feelings, it was Holly’s final statement that really packed a punch:
“Until you ask us to rewrite it like [executive producer] Brad Kern did weekly don’t even think of capitalizing on our hard work. Charmed belongs to the 4 of us, our vast amount of writers, crews and predominantly the fans. FYI you will not fool them by owning a title/stamp. So bye.”
