The Xena reboot is in good hands: Javier Grillo-Marxuach is all about respecting the old canon while still making an “epic” and “bingeable” new show.

Although it might seem precarious to reboot Xena: The Warrior Princess — a show that, despite its flaws, is obviously perfect — this is exactly what’s going down at NBC.

Fans were distressed to learn that the new Xena will be younger, Katniss-like and not played by Lucy Lawless, but never fear — showrunner Javier Grillo-Marxuach has some very comforting words.

In a lengthy interview (actually, a back-and-forth with Xena graphic novel writer Genevieve Valentine) published on io9, Grillo-Marxuach confirms a few key details about the reboot.

First of all: Xena is still going to have her Chakram. Phew.

But also, almost (!) as importantly, Gabrielle will evidently not only be a part of the reboot — she and Xena’s much-celebrated bond will remain intact.

“There are a few things that are sacrosanct: the Chakram and the quarterstaff, of course, Gabrielle’s ambition to become a bard, and — most importantly — that Xena and Gabrielle be soul mates,” says Grillo-Marxuach.

This is good news for Xena fans — while not explicitly canon, Xena/Gabrielle is widely considered the first major same-sex couple in a fantasy series. While we don’t yet know how the reboot will frame their relationship, Grillo-Marxuach did just spend a season on The 100 telling the epic love story of Clarke and Lexa… so here’s hoping he god inspired!

The Lost and The 100 writer also says that “in the post-Brienne of Tarth era,” Xena and Gabrielle will probably find themselves in attire more appropriate for the occasion — meaning goodbye bare midriff, and hopefully hello super-cool armor.

Ultimately, Javier Grillo-Marxuach hopes to blend the original canon with new material, in order to tell a more serialized story with the characters we love.

“The reboot is not a repudiation of the classic show, but rather a compliment to it. I want for Xena to be a cultural icon for longer than my tenure in the entertainment industry, or that of anyone else involved with the project,” he says.

Read the insightful conversation in its entirety at io9.

We don’t know about you, but we’re very excited to see this talented creator bring one of our favorite heroines back to the small screen. A Xena: The Warrior Princess drawing on the success of shows like Jessica Jones, The 100 and Alias, has the potential to be amazing.