Sarah Michelle Gellar is wasting no time training alongside the next generation’s Chosen One as the development of the newBuffy the Vampire Slayerseries continues. TheBuffy the Vampire Slayer"reboot"isn’t so much a reboot as it is a sequel series, featuring a new demon-fighting troupeled byStar Wars: Skeleton Crew’s Ryan Kiera Armstrong.
The upcomingBuffyseries has not yet been greenlit; it has received a pilot order at Hulu and will be directed by Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao. Of course, at the end ofBuffy the Vampire Slayerseason 7, dozens of new vampire slayers unlocked their powers. Even so, Armstrong’s character, tentatively named Nova, will be the focus of the show, with Buffy Summers presumably acting as a guide.
That relationship dynamic is important both on- and off-screen. Recently,Gellar shared a video reel onInstagramof her and Armstrong’s rigorous training routine, as they prepare to play extra-strong, agile, and fast demon hunters. In the caption, Gellar wrote:“Warrior 1 and 2. We don’t sweat … we sparkle.”
What This Means For The Buffy Revival Series
Gellar has been outwardly enthusiastic about Armstrong’s castingand is taking both her role in the show and her role as an EP seriously. Though Gellar was initially hesitant aboutthe idea of aBuffy the VampireSlayerreboot, revival, or remake, it was Chloé Zhao’s pitch that won her over. When Armstrong was announced as the next slayer, Gellar shared a movingly supportive statement, writing onInstagram:
“From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side. To have that kind of emotional intelligence, and talent, at such a young age is truly a gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room.”
Watching Gellar become so invested in the newBuffyseries and train so diligently alongside New Sunnydale’s latest protector speaks to how important it is to the actress to get this sequel series right. Armstrong’s commitment was wonderful to witness as well. When Gellar offered her the part, Armstrong’s excitement was palpable as she said,“Thank you for trusting me.”
Our Take On The Buffy Sequel Series
Armstrong’s casting all but ensures that the Buffy sequel series will embrace the original show’s initial formula.As Buffy grew older, the series evolved alongside her, platforming increasingly darker storylines. With Armstrong’s Nova and her friends presumably back in high school (Armstrong is 15), it makes more sense for Gellar to take on a mentorship role, and will allow the new show to carve out its own identity.
Gellar’s enthusiasm and Armstrong’s dedication bode well for the sequel series, and watching them work and train together is a genuine delight.Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s legacy has remained steadfast long after the series ended in 2003; hopefully, this revival will be the one that sticks the landing.
