Xena Will Be Openly Gay in NBC's 'Warrior Princess' Reboot
Xena + Gabrielle = relationship goals.


Back in the 1990s, Xena and Gabrielle could only hint at their obvious love for one another on the show Xena: Warrior Princess. Their relationship became the subject of countless GIFs, fan fiction, and YouTube compilations years later. And now that the show is possibly coming back as a reboot (opens in new tab) on NBC, we now live in a world where they can just be together, no questions asked.
NME (opens in new tab) reports that Javier Grillo-Marxuach, the executive producer of the reboot, responded to fans in a Tumblr Q&A and assured them that the reboot will be more open about Xena and Gabrielle's relationship. Grillo-Marxuach also runs the show The 100, in which an openly lesbian character stars, and his post addresses that Xena won't dismiss LGBT themes.
"There is no reason to bring back Xena if it is not there for the purpose of fully exploring a relationship that could only be shown subtextually in first-run syndication in the 1990s," he wrote. The show is far from a sure thing at this point, and it's still unclear whether Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor would even appear, let alone as Xena and Gabrielle, but we can dream, right?
Interestingly enough, Lawless had told Lesbian News (opens in new tab) in 2003 that she thought Xena and Gabrielle were "married," and Xena's first relationship with a woman was with Akemi, who turned her away from her evil ways. "Now it wasn't just that Xena was bisexual and kinda liked her gal pal and they kind of fooled around sometimes," she told the magazine, "it was 'Nope, they're married, man.'"
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
The Ending of 'The Umbrella Academy' Season 3, Explained
The Netflix hit's finale resets its universe yet again.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Lorde Is Now Blonde and It’s the All the Happiness We Need Right Now
She's stunning.
By Deena Campbell
-
The Jeans Brands Fashion Editors Swear By
Your search for the perfect pair of jeans is over.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 28 Best Korean Movies on Netflix in 2022
See you guys never.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Manifest' Season 4: Everything We Know
It's official: The once-canceled NBC show is returning for a final chapter (or two) on Netflix.
By Jenny Hollander
-
Rose Leslie and Theo James Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Time Traveler's Wife' stars prove their chemistry is one for the ages.
By Marie Claire Editors
-
The 30 Best Black TV Shows Ever
Clear your schedule. You have some binge-watching to do
By The Editors
-
The 27 Best True Crime Shows to Binge-Watch
Real life can be a lot scarier than fiction.
By Cady Drell
-
The 52 Best Comedy TV Shows Ever
The shows that will make you laugh until your face hurts.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
'Selling Sunset' Season 5: Everything We Know
Our favorite realtors are back this spring (and they're filming a reunion)!
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy