Felicia Day Revives 'The Guild' on Her Own Terms, Rejecting Hollywood's Vision
Felicia Day, the visionary behind the popular 2007 web series 'The Guild,' is embarking on an independent journey to bring her beloved creation back to life. Following an unsatisfactory proposal from Hollywood executives to revamp the series with a new, younger cast, Day has chosen to bypass traditional studios. Instead, she is initiating a Kickstarter campaign to finance a 20th-anniversary reunion film, aiming to gather the original cast members for a project that truly reflects her vision and the show's spirit. This move underscores her commitment to creative control and her belief in the power of direct fan engagement, especially as the entertainment industry undergoes significant transformations.
Day's decision to independently produce 'The Guild' reunion movie stems from a deep-seated desire to protect the integrity of her work. When presented with the Hollywood proposal for a younger cast, her initial excitement quickly turned to dismay. She expressed a strong reluctance to entrust her creation, which significantly launched her career, to those who might not fully grasp its essence or its community. This sentiment is particularly poignant given her history of facing rejection from the traditional film industry. By taking the reins herself, Day seeks to avoid external influences that could compromise the artistic direction, such as casting suggestions that disregard the original spirit of the characters.
The upcoming Kickstarter campaign, set to launch on July 20, is designed to fund 'The Guild: Ren Faire’d,' a reunion movie scheduled for 2027. Day intends to reunite all the original cast members, aiming to deliver a product that resonates deeply with the long-standing fanbase. She believes the fans will provide the necessary budget to elevate the production quality while staying true to the show's cherished elements. This approach not only empowers her creatively but also strengthens the connection with the audience who have supported 'The Guild' since its inception.
'The Guild' achieved early recognition as one of YouTube's pioneering hit series, paving the way for Day to establish Geek & Sundry, a digital platform that notably hosted 'Critical Role.' Day contends that her show played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the recent success of films produced by YouTube content creators, including titles like 'Backrooms,' 'Obsession,' and 'Iron Lung.' She observes that the current state of the Hollywood system, marked by significant upheaval, ironically creates opportunities for creators with innovative ideas to find new avenues for audience engagement and content distribution, a space where she thrives.
A testament to the show's cultural impact, the costume Day wore for 'The Guild's viral song '(Do You Want to Date My) Avatar' found a permanent home in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Despite this significant achievement, Day humorously recounted a humbling experience during a visit, where her presence next to the exhibit went largely unnoticed by visitors captivated by other iconic displays. This anecdote highlights her grounded perspective amidst her accomplishments.
Despite her extensive career, including roles in iconic series such as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' 'Eureka,' and 'Supernatural,' which cemented her status as a geek icon, Day has relinquished her aspirations for conventional Hollywood stardom. She has experienced numerous instances of projects stalling in development and recognizes the industry's often impersonal and disposable view of talent. She views the system as a capitalist machine where creators are merely tools, easily replaced and undervalued. This realization has solidified her resolve to pursue projects on her own terms, where her artistic integrity is paramount.
While 'The Guild' originally featured its characters gaming in an MMO, the reunion film will transport them to a renaissance faire, a setting dear to Day. This shift reflects her personal evolution, as she no longer dedicates significant time to MMOs. Having once been a dedicated player, she now finds being a 'tourist' in these games less appealing due to time constraints. Her current gaming preferences lean towards single-player RPGs and cooperative, 'cozy' games like 'Stardew Valley,' aligning with her current lifestyle as a mother.
Motherhood has also profoundly influenced Day's creative drive. She observes that women her age, particularly mothers, often face diminishing opportunities in Hollywood, which she perceives as dismissive of older women gamers. This experience fuels her determination to remain an artist on her own terms, asserting that creative autonomy is essential for her to flourish. The Kickstarter campaign will also support a 120-page 'The Guild' tabletop role-playing game from Hit Point Press and a dating sim card game, 'Swords & Sweethearts,' featuring collaborations with notable personalities. Additional rewards for backers include exclusive merchandise, further enhancing fan engagement.
