NBC has confirmed a reboot of "Xena: Warrior Princess" is indeed in the works, with an eye toward a 2016 premiere.

"Yes, we're in the early stages of developing a new take on 'Xena,' and we're looking for a writer," NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt told The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to do it."

Original series star Lucy Lawless initially dismissed reports of a reboot as "wishful thinking," but later acknowledged a new "Xena" could be in the works, without the involvement of herself, co-creator Rob Tapert and executive producer Sam Raimi. However, Greenblatt contends there's a deal in place involving NBC International, Tapert and Raimi.

"I don't think it's just a continuation," Greenblatt said, but we haven't gotten that far. I think it's a great character, and we should try to figure out how to revive it somehow."

Lawless, who starred in the syndicated series from 1995 to 2001, said earlier this month that she'd love to reprise her role, but only in a TV movie or miniseries. Greenblatt said he'd be open to her appearing in the reboot, but acknowledges it could be complicated.

"We'd love to have Lucy be a part of it — if we felt that her presence didn't overshadow the direction we take with it," he said. "I'm not sure how she could be part of it if she wasn't playing Xena, and I don't know if that's a direction we'll ever go."