Earlier this 12 months, Hulu introduced its plan to provide a Buffy The Vampire Slayer reboot. Followers had been thrilled to listen to that OG slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar had signed onto the undertaking as properly. Gellar is unquestionably finest identified for her iconic TV function as Buffy Summers, the teenage vampire slayer, regardless of having starred in quite a few TV exhibits and movies since. Some folks may query why she’s returning to an previous character and risking being pigeonholed, however Gellar is setting the document straight on that
Whereas engaged on the unique Buffy sequence, Gellar additionally starred in hits akin to Merciless Intentions, I Know What You Did Final Summer season and Scream 2, solidifying herself as one of many ‘90s cult basic queens. She’s continued to reliably work within the supernatural and slasher genres, showing in Dexter: Authentic Sin and Wolf Pack. Nonetheless with a quick cameo within the 2025 sequel I Know What You Did Final Summer season and a return to Buffy, USA At the moment requested Gellar whether or not or not she feels pigeonholed in her profession, and she or he gave a solution I really like:
I have been lucky sufficient that I’ve had work that individuals keep in mind from all completely different occasions, and as an actor, you simply hope you do work that not simply stands the take a look at of time (and) that individuals nonetheless keep in mind, however they nonetheless get pleasure from. In case your artwork that you have created continues to be significant and in addition because the world modifications that it nonetheless has emotional resonance to the followers, that is all we may ever ask for.
The Do Revenge actress is correct. You’ll be able to try to reject it, however the reboot renaissance didn’t simply occur out of nowhere. It’s pushed by nostalgia and tasks that stay timeless, resonating with new generations in addition to authentic audiences. Typically reboots are introduced after years of loyal fanbases calling for them.
For these followers, Gellar is lastly able to return to Buffy, saying she doesn’t really feel the character is pressured upon her, however reasonably it’s a option to return to her roots. She defined:
However I additionally really feel like some folks get caught in that. I do not really feel like anybody’s ever executed that to me. It is not like folks solely know me from one factor within the ’90s or they solely wanna see me as one factor from the ’90s. I have been extraordinarily lucky.
I really like a grateful superstar, and I personally agree with Geller that she’s not pigeonholed however reasonably simply properly liked for her iconic characters. In her personal phrases, there’s nothing unsuitable with reviving a beloved undertaking, so long as the reboot has a recent take, whereas nonetheless “capturing the DNA of the unique.”
An ideal instance could be the 2025 summer time blockbuster I Know What You Did Final Summer season, through which ‘90s stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Gellar’s husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., additionally returned to their OG roles. Whereas the Buffy actress’ prime secret cameo was solely two minutes lengthy, she actually didn’t waste her screentime.
Introduced again to life in a dream sequence, Helen Shivers (Gellar) confronts her reboot counterpart Madeline Cline, wearing her croker queen costume and crown whereas wielding the OG homicide hook. She additionally flawlessly does not look a day over 30). It’s a scene that the film actually didn’t want, however one I’d have been sorry to overlook out on, on condition that Gellar slays it, as per normal.
I can solely Gellar she brings the identical power to the Buffy reboot, however there is no such thing as a doubt she’s going to. Whereas behind-the-scenes images appear to substantiate our OG vampire-killing queen will wield the stake as soon as once more, she received’t be alone. On this reboot, it appears Gellar will tackle extra of a mentor function, as a brand new Chosen One will take the highlight. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply the ‘90s Buffy forged can be completely forgotten, because the Merciless Intentions actress says she needs to discover a stability between bringing again previous characters and introducing new ones.
Whereas I’m unhappy that some beloved characters like Anya and Cordelia most likely received’t be within the reboot as a result of their deaths within the authentic sequence, I can nonetheless maintain out hope for extra dream sequences! What I am grateful for, although, is that Sarah Michelle Gellar is within the combine, and she or he’s extremely grateful to be taking part in the character that made her a cultural icon. Remember to maintain an eye fixed out for this return to Sunnydale, or should you want a extra quick Buffy the Vampire repair, the OG sequence is accessible to stream with a Hulu subscription.