Xena Cast: Where Are They Now? The Jaw-Dropping 2025 Projects Of Lucy Lawless, Karl Urban, And The Warrior Princess Crew
Two decades after the final 'Aiyee-Yii-Yii-Yii-Yii!' echoed across the screens, the legendary cast of Xena: Warrior Princess remains one of the most beloved ensembles in television history. The show, which ran from 1995 to 2001, pioneered the action-fantasy genre and created a global fandom that is still thriving today, especially with the 30th Anniversary approaching. The burning question for Xenites in late 2024 and heading into 2025 is: where did the Warrior Princess, her Bard, and their friends (and foes) go next? The answers range from starring in blockbuster superhero franchises and directing films at Sundance to embracing unexpected new careers.
The careers of the core cast have taken fascinating, and often surprising, turns. From the New Zealand-based crime-solving of the titular star to the massive Hollywood success of a recurring villain, here is the ultimate, up-to-date look at the current lives and 2025 projects of the *Xena* cast, proving that the spirit of the Amazon remains strong.
The Core Trio: Xena, Gabrielle, and Joxer—A Complete Biography
The chemistry between the three main stars was the heart of the show. Before diving into their current work, a look back at their foundational profiles reveals the diverse talent that brought the ancient world to life.
Lucy Lawless (Xena)
- Full Name: Lucille Frances Lawless (née Ryan)
- Born: March 29, 1968, in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
- Role on Xena: Xena, the titular Warrior Princess, a fierce anti-hero seeking redemption.
- Career Highlights: Lawless is a New Zealand actress and director. Beyond *Xena: Warrior Princess*, she is known for her roles as Lucretia in *Spartacus*, D'Anna Biers in *Battlestar Galactica*, and more recently, Detective Alexa Crowe in *My Life is Murder*. She is also an avid environmental supporter, notably for Greenpeace.
Renée O'Connor (Gabrielle)
- Full Name: Evelyn Renée O'Connor
- Born: February 15, 1971, in Katy, Texas, U.S.
- Role on Xena: Gabrielle, the Bard of Poteidaia, Xena's trusted sidekick and moral compass.
- Career Highlights: An American actress, producer, and director. She rose to fame as Gabrielle, but has since focused on independent filmmaking, directing, and producing, showcasing her versatility behind the camera.
Ted Raimi (Joxer)
- Full Name: Theodore Raimi
- Born: December 14, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
- Role on Xena: Joxer, Joxer the Mighty, the clumsy but lovable wannabe warrior.
- Career Highlights: An American character actor, director, and writer, Ted Raimi is known for his frequent collaborations with his older brother, director Sam Raimi, appearing in classics like *The Evil Dead* franchise and *Spider-Man* (2002).
The Warrior Princess’s New Projects: Lucy Lawless in 2024 and 2025
Lucy Lawless has arguably maintained the highest profile of the main cast, continuously taking on diverse roles that showcase her range beyond the chakram-wielding hero. Her career in 2024 and 2025 is particularly exciting, blending acting, directing, and a return to her New Zealand roots.
Starring in a 2025 Film: The *Pike River* Role
One of Lawless’s most anticipated upcoming projects is the 2025 film *Pike River*. She is set to star as Helen Kelly, a prominent New Zealand trade union leader and activist. This role is a significant dramatic turn, focusing on a real-life tragedy and demonstrating her commitment to powerful, New Zealand-centric storytelling.
The Ongoing Success of *My Life Is Murder*
Lawless’s current primary gig is starring as ex-cop turned private investigator Alexa Crowe in the popular New Zealand-set crime series, *My Life Is Murder*. The show, which has been a hit with audiences, allows Lawless to explore a more contemporary, witty, and grounded character, a stark contrast to her fantasy roles.
Sundance Director Debut: *Never Look Away* (2024)
In a major career shift, Lawless made her directorial debut with the documentary film *Never Look Away*, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film, which focuses on a cameraperson, highlights her willingness to push creative boundaries and embrace fearlessness behind the camera. This move solidifies her status as a multi-talented filmmaker, not just an actress.
From Sidekick to Star: The Current Paths of Gabrielle, Joxer, and Callisto
While Xena’s star power continues to shine, the paths of the supporting cast members are equally compelling, with some finding new callings and others achieving global superstardom.
Renée O'Connor (Gabrielle): The Filmmaker and Fan Favorite
Renée O'Connor, who played the beloved Bard Gabrielle, has focused her energy on the directorial and production side of the industry. While she continues to be an actress, her passion lies in filmmaking, where she has been a successful producer and director.
- Fan Conventions: O'Connor remains incredibly connected to the *Xena* fanbase, regularly appearing at conventions, including the major 30th Anniversary "Salute to Xena" events in 2024 and 2025, often sharing the stage with Lucy Lawless.
- Social Media Presence: She keeps fans updated on her life and activities through platforms like Instagram, with recent videos confirming her ongoing public presence in May 2025.
Ted Raimi (Joxer): The Horror Veteran
Ted Raimi, famous for his portrayal of the hapless Joxer The Mighty, maintains an active career as a character actor, writer, and convention guest. His deep ties to the horror genre, particularly through his brother Sam Raimi, keep him busy.
- Convention Circuit: Raimi is a fixture at pop culture events, including the GalaxyCon Raleigh 2024 panel, where he discusses his extensive career.
- Ongoing Collaborations: Known as the "ultimate Fake Shemp" for his willingness to take on any role, he is expected to continue his collaborations with his brother, Sam Raimi, who is currently working on new horror-thriller projects in 2024 and 2025.
Hudson Leick (Callisto): The Unexpected Career Shift
Hudson Leick, who played the iconic and terrifying villain Callisto, has made one of the most drastic career changes. After her acting career, she transformed her life to become a respected yoga instructor. She now works primarily through her own company, Healing Heart Yoga, guiding others toward wellness, a truly unexpected turn for the former goddess of revenge.
The Breakout Star: Karl Urban’s Hollywood Domination
One of the most remarkable success stories from the *Xena* universe belongs to Karl Urban. While he played multiple roles in both *Xena* and its parent show *Hercules: The Legendary Journeys*—including Cupid and Julius Caesar—his career has exploded into the mainstream.
From Caesar to Butcher: The *The Boys* Phenomenon
Urban is now globally recognized for his starring role as Billy Butcher in the critically acclaimed and immensely popular Amazon Prime Video series, *The Boys*. This role, which showcases a gritty, anti-hero persona, has cemented his status as a major Hollywood star. His appearances in other mega-franchises like the *Lord of the Rings* trilogy (Éomer) and the rebooted *Star Trek* films (Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy) highlight his incredible versatility and success. His current projects continue to keep him at the forefront of the industry.
The Enduring Legacy: Why the Xena Cast Still Matters in 2025
The continued activity of the *Xena* cast, from Lucy Lawless’s directorial debut to Karl Urban’s franchise dominance, is a testament to the show's enduring influence. As the 30th Anniversary approaches, the Xenites fandom remains a powerhouse, driven by the strong connection between the actors and their audience. The cast's willingness to embrace new creative challenges—whether it's Lawless tackling a New Zealand political figure in *Pike River*, O'Connor focusing on directing, or Leick becoming a yoga guru—proves that the warrior spirit of transformation and renewal is alive and well. The cast members are not just relics of the '90s; they are active, successful, and constantly evolving artists in the 2025 entertainment landscape.
Detail Author:
- Name : Candace VonRueden
- Username : sylvan.swift
- Email : lowe.vincent@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1979-10-14
- Address : 39711 Toy Plains Apt. 488 Gustchester, NJ 38501-6245
- Phone : (804) 472-7083
- Company : Will-Hauck
- Job : Irradiated-Fuel Handler
- Bio : Asperiores vel est alias laboriosam tempore corporis sequi. Voluptatem et eveniet autem officiis hic est quidem eos. Quia officiis reprehenderit porro.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/alec_official
- username : alec_official
- bio : Vel dolore dolorem dicta sunt reiciendis ad. Repudiandae consequatur autem laborum at.
- followers : 3803
- following : 1605
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/alec_official
- username : alec_official
- bio : Sed placeat quo et vitae.
- followers : 1800
- following : 2774
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@alec.sauer
- username : alec.sauer
- bio : Recusandae et quisquam hic.
- followers : 1757
- following : 736
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/alecsauer
- username : alecsauer
- bio : Non sit earum voluptatum consequatur et omnis.
- followers : 6125
- following : 1364
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/alecsauer
- username : alecsauer
- bio : Qui asperiores fuga omnis ad placeat omnis veniam. Dolores totam quis ex provident alias debitis est. Tenetur ut incidunt reiciendis.
- followers : 2669
- following : 2428
