lucy lawless and renee o'connor

The Unbreakable Bond: 7 Surprising Facts About Lucy Lawless And Renée O'Connor’s Current Relationship And Reunion Projects

lucy lawless and renee o'connor

The enduring friendship between Lucy Lawless and Renée O'Connor, the iconic duo behind *Xena: Warrior Princess*, remains one of the most beloved and stable relationships in pop culture history. Decades after the final episode aired, the actresses continue to share both a deep personal bond and a willingness to work together, much to the delight of their global fanbase. As of December 2025, their connection is stronger than ever, highlighted by a recent on-screen reunion and major plans for the 30th Anniversary of the groundbreaking series.

The latest news confirms that the "Xena" and "Gabrielle" actors are not only actively participating in fan conventions but are also openly discussing a return to the roles that defined their careers, setting the stage for a massive resurgence of interest in the beloved fantasy franchise. Their post-Xena careers have taken them in different directions—Lawless into major TV dramas and O'Connor into directing and independent film—but their shared history keeps bringing them back together.

Complete Biography Profiles: Xena and Gabrielle's Post-War Journeys

To understand the current dynamic between the two stars, it's essential to look at their individual paths since the final battle of *Xena: Warrior Princess* in 2001. Both have maintained busy careers, expanding their resumes as actors, directors, and producers.

Lucy Lawless (Xena) - The Warrior Queen's New Reign

  • Full Name: Lucille Frances Lawless (née Ryan)
  • Born: March 29, 1968, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Career Highlights: Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001), Battlestar Galactica (2005–2009), Spartacus (2010–2012), Parks and Recreation (2012–2014), Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018), My Life Is Murder (2019–Present).
  • Recent Projects (2024-2025): Lawless is the star and executive producer of the successful New Zealand-set mystery series *My Life Is Murder*, where she recently reunited with O'Connor. She is also slated to appear in the film *Pike River* (2025) as Helen Kelly and the TV series *Spartacus: House of Ashur* (2025) as Lucretia. Lawless also made her directorial debut with the documentary *Never Look Away* (2024).
  • Personal Life: Married to Robert Tapert, co-creator of *Xena*, since 1998. She is an active environmental advocate.

Renée O'Connor (Gabrielle) - The Bard's Directorial Vision

  • Full Name: Evelyn Renée O'Connor
  • Born: February 15, 1971, Houston, Texas, USA
  • Career Highlights: Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995), Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001), Boogeyman 2 (2007), Moby Dick (2010).
  • Recent Projects (2024-2025): O'Connor has focused on independent film and theatre, utilizing her experience as an actress to transition into producing and directing. Her recent acting work includes her guest-starring role alongside Lawless in *My Life Is Murder*. She is also known for her work directing and producing films like *Watch the Sky* (2017) and for her active participation in fan conventions, including the upcoming 30th Anniversary event.
  • Personal Life: She has two children. O'Connor is known for her dedication to various charitable causes and her strong connection with the Xena fandom.

The Reunion That Sent Shockwaves: *My Life Is Murder* and The Easy Chemistry

The biggest and most recent news for fans was the on-screen reunion of Lawless and O'Connor in the second season of the crime drama *My Life Is Murder*. While brief, the appearance proved their chemistry is as potent as ever, even when playing new characters.

The reunion was a deliberate nod to the dedicated fanbase. Lawless, who plays the lead detective Alexa Crowe, welcomed O'Connor as the character "Gabrielle" (a clever, subtle tribute) in an episode that premiered on Acorn TV. This joint cameo was highly anticipated and demonstrated the actresses' commitment to celebrating their shared history.

Lawless reflected on the experience, noting the ease of working with her long-time friend. She highlighted that their relationship as actors had matured beyond the rigid on-screen dynamic of Xena and Gabrielle. "It wasn't like we were stuck in a certain mindset with our relationship to one another as actors," Lawless commented, suggesting a professional freedom that made the reunion effortless and fun. This modern, relaxed collaboration is a stark contrast to the intense, six-season run of *Xena* and showcases the depth of their real-life friendship.

Will We See Xena and Gabrielle Ride Again? The Reboot Question

Perhaps the most exciting update for the fandom revolves around the perennial question: will there be a *Xena: Warrior Princess* reboot or sequel? Both Lucy Lawless and Renée O'Connor have provided a very clear, positive answer in recent fan Q&A sessions and interviews.

In a major development, Lawless has publicly stated that she and O'Connor are "down for either a reboot or a sequel." The only thing currently holding the project back is the lack of a compelling script or writer to take on the monumental task of reviving the series. This confirmation from the stars themselves has reignited hope among fans for a true continuation of the Xenaverse narrative, focusing on the complex relationship between the Warrior Princess and her trusted companion, the Bard of Poteidaia.

The original series, which aired from 1995 to 2001, ended on a famously controversial note. A sequel would provide an opportunity to revisit these characters and potentially offer a more satisfying conclusion for the audience. The discussion of a reboot naturally brings up topical authority keywords like Xenaverse, Gabrielle's journey, subtext, and the legacy of queer representation in television, which the original series pioneered.

The 30th Anniversary Celebration: A Global Gathering

The enduring appeal of the show is evidenced by the massive fan convention scheduled for early 2025. The "Salute To Xena 2025" convention is set to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the series. Both Lawless and O'Connor are headlining the event, which features a historic joint panel with Ted Raimi (Joxer).

This event is not just a commercial appearance; it is a pilgrimage for the Xena fandom. It underscores the powerful, lasting impact of the show's themes: female friendship, redemption, and empowerment. Lawless and O'Connor’s commitment to these fan conventions, including a recent appearance at Auckland's Armageddon Expo in 2025, shows their appreciation for the global community that continues to support their work. Their continued presence at these events is a powerful LSI keyword indicator of the strength of their personal bond and the cultural significance of their characters.

The ongoing connection between the two actresses, from their early days filming in New Zealand to their current reunion projects, is a testament to a friendship that transcended their roles. They remain close friends, professional collaborators, and the undisputed champions of one of television's most iconic duos, keeping the flame of the Xenaverse burning bright for a new generation.

lucy lawless and renee o'connor
lucy lawless and renee o'connor

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lucy lawless and renee o'connor
lucy lawless and renee o'connor

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