30 Years Ago, A Surprising Fantasy Series Became An Instant Cult Classic

"By the time Lucy Lawless made her debut as Xenain Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, she'd already had a few appearances in other roles. In those, bearing fiery eyes that fit the mythological adventure setting, the New Zealand actress was an unmistakable presence. But after taking on a role originally meant for another actress, that of Xena herself, few could've predicted that she'd not only soon get a spinoff show, but that it would eclipse the renown of the original series."

"Fw could go toe-to-toe with Hercules, who was destined to nearly always emerge on top. But Kevin Sorbo, inhabiting Hercules with jockish aplomb, met his match in the form of Lawless' Xena. She nearly bests Hercules in combat, and she definitely overtakes him in sheer personality. Initially an unscrupulous, warmongering villain, she'd be turned into a fan-favorite hero over the course of a few episodes. So when Xena: Warrior Princess begins, she's on a new quest to make amends."

"Both are globe-trotting mythological mishmashes, pulling from folklore and myth as needed, and both typically revolve around stories that feature the leading heroes having to rescue someone, prevent a battle, or stand up for the defenseless. Xena, though, jumped between tones with an ease that Hercules never quite mastered. It ranges from high-stakes fantasy to pure camp, and Lawless is ready for it all. In combat, her teeth grit with a kind of ferocity usually reserved for her male counterparts."

Lucy Lawless first appeared as Xena on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys after several smaller roles, bringing a striking presence suited to mythological adventure. The Xena role, originally intended for another actress, led to a spinoff that soon eclipsed the original show's renown. Xena evolves from an unscrupulous warmongering villain into a fan-favorite hero seeking redemption. The series blends globe-trotting myth, folklore, rescue-driven plots, and tonal shifts from high-stakes fantasy to camp. Lawless displays both ferocious combat intensity and comedic snark, anchoring a show that became a television classic and cemented her iconic status.

Read at Inverse