Joss Whedon has been doing the press rounds recently, and has discussed the progress of Dollhouse’s second season to date, Summer Glau’s rumoured involvement, and his feelings on the proposed Buffy remake that is reportedly in development.
“We don’t have the onus of trying to be a big hit sitting on our shoulders,” said Whedon to EW. “We can just be ourselves. And so the stories we’re breaking are pure, and exciting, and everybody’s on-board in the room, and it’s never flowed better.” With regards to Alan Tudyk’s character Alpha, the multi-hyphenate also said that he would be back, although given the former Firefly actor’s involvement with V, something would have to be worked out between the productions. “Alpha will always be a part of the equation,” he said confidently.
Whedon also revealed that the producers of the upcoming Buffy remake had in fact approached him to seek his involvement in the project. After it was revealed that the immensely popular property would be rebooted without any reference to the seven-season television series or its spin offs, and without using any of the supporting characters, the outcry was vocal to say the least, even by the usual standard of Whedon’s fans. I believe [the producers] did ultimately reach out to my agent after the news broke,” he commented. “I think that’s something better left untouched by me. So, I wish them luck.
With regards to Summer Glau’s possible appearance on Dollhouse, sparked by quotes from the man himself, Whedon was cagey. “We’re still breaking the episodes,” Whedon says, “but we didn’t honestly go into the season going, ‘Now how can we figure out how to service Summer?’ when we already have a huge ensemble. I adore Summer and she’s phenomenal, but I have to service the cast I have first. If something comes up that’s good enough, my God, I’d hound her. But the rumors of her becoming a big part of the show are greatly exaggerated.”
Dollhouse returns for its second season later this year. The series stars Eliza Dushku, Amy Acker, and Tamoh Penikett, and revolves around a secret organisation named the Dollhouse, that imprints its operatives with personalities appropriate to their mission. Afterwards, they are left in a childlike state with no individual thought. One of the operatives however, Echo, is slowly reasserting a distinct personality in between imprints.
