It’s been six years since “Supernatural” ended its 15-season run, concluding the exploits of demon-hunting siblings Dean and Sam Winchester (played, respectively, by Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki).
Now, a fan-favorite star of the show is reviving a groundbreaking project that first arrived back in 2007, and remains beloved by fans.
Felicia Day is Reviving ‘The Guild’
Actress Felicia Day is known to “Supernatural” fans for her portrayal of Charlie Bradbury, an IT genius-turned-hunter who assisted Sam and Dean in numerous episodes.
Prior to her recurring “Supernatural” role, Day launched “The Guild,” a pioneering YouTube series that mined the funnier side of nerd culture. She was creator and star of the series, which “follows an online gaming group called ‘The Knights of Good’ as they try to balance their obsessive play in a fantasy MMORPG with the awkward realities of everyday life,” per the synopsis.
Now, reports the Los Angeles Times, Day is reuniting with her co-stars to make a “Guild” movie after a fan-funding effort she launched exceeded all expectations.
The Return of ‘The Guild’
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the debut of “The Guild,” Day is planning a one-off project titled “The Guild: Ren Faire’d.”
Just as “The Guild” bypassed traditional TV platforms by coming directly to fans via YouTube, the revival movie sought financing via similarly unconventional methods: a Kickstarter fan-funding campaign.
“Help us celebrate The Guild’s upcoming 20th anniversary by making the most epic renfaire movie of all time!” writes Day in the Kickstarter, which to date has raised nearly $8.7 million, far exceeding its original goal of $2,065,005.
A Record Broken
As Variety reports, that epic fundraising has broken a record previously set by another crowdfunded movie: 2013’s “Veronica Mars,” which raised the bar as the biggest crowdfunded movie in history by generating $5,702,153.
In addition to her “Guild” co-stars, “The Guild: Ren Faire’d” cast will also include Nathan Fillion, “Star Trek” alum Wil Wheaton and fellow “Supernatural” alum Misha Collins.
“Becoming the most-funded movie in Kickstarter history is completely surreal,” Day said in a statement.
“We started this campaign because we wanted to prove there was still a way to make something weird and wonderful with the people who actually want to see it, instead of waiting for someone to give us permission,” she continued. “And once again, the Guildies showed up in a way I never could have imagined. I’m overwhelmed, incredibly grateful, and so incredibly pumped to go make the movie they deserve. But mostly grateful. As the community says, suck it suits!”
She’s Been Overwhelmed By the Response
Exceeding the fundraising goal and breaking the “Veronica Mars” record has not been lost on Day.
“It’s been very gratifying to see so many people come out from places I never knew they were — I had lost touch — to say how much the show meant to them, especially in their formative years,” Day told IndieWire.
“Nobody ever presented themselves as caring for the show as much as I did, and so to have everybody come out and be excited for a new story? I could never have imagined this outpouring of love, and it kind of confirms all the things I’ve done over the years,” she added.
The Kickstarter officially concludes on Friday, August 21 at 8 p.m. PT.
