I am – Hercules!!

If one needed any confirmation that “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” would indeed cease production for good in a month or two, that confirmation can be found in this morning’s Hollywood Reporter..

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who essays the title role, is “in negotiations” to star in the MGM feature “Romantic Comedy.” It’s set to start shooting this August, and that’s when “Buffy” would normally be before cameras.

Don’t let the “in negotiations” part throw you. If negotiations are being reported in the trade papers, 99 times out of 100 it’s already a done deal.

Officials at Mutant Enemy, “Buffy’s” production company, have indicated that while the adventures of the slayer’s friends may continue, on the WB’s “Angel” or another spinoff, the title “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” would be retired with Gellar’s departure.

Word has it that Buffy will not die a third death in the Joss Whedon-scripted series finale expected to air May 20, leaving the door open for a) Gellar guest appearances (should “Angel” continue and/or another Buffiverse spinoff appear next season) and b) a potential “Buffy” motion picture franchise.

“Buffy” fans in the Greater Los Angeles area should save the expected finale date, May 20, and watch this space. We at Ain’t It Cool are already feverishly slaving to engineer a liquor-soaked “Buffy” send-off at a club here in Hollywood. We’ll announce details once we’re certain UPN won’t change its mind about the airdate.

UPDATE: It'll be an invitation-only event, and we actually have the choice of two different-sized venues -- so if you live around here and harbor a strong desire to watch the finale with a lot of like-minded people (instead of your stupid "Charmed"-obsessed boyfriend), forward your name - and perhaps level of enthusiasm - to this special email address ASAP:

hercaicn@yahoo.com