Buffy: The Sequel to the Cult Series with Sarah Michelle Gellar!
A female Oscar winner takes over as director
One of the most popular series of the last few decades is about to make a comeback! As the trade magazine Variety reports, a sequel to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is currently in development.
Buffy Return with Sarah Michelle Gellar
The US streaming service Hulu is reportedly close to ordering a sequel series. Probably the most important information for fans: Sarah Michelle Gellar is set to return in her role as Buffy Summers! However, her involvement will be reduced to a supporting role. The focus will rather be placed on a new vampire huntress.
The casting of Gellar is a major coup, as "Buffy" is inseparably linked to the actress. As a star of the 90s, she is also known for her movie roles in "Cruel Intentions" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer". She starred in all seven seasons of "Buffy" with a total of 145 episodes.
Who is Involved?
Variety has also been able to find out who is involved behind the scenes. Oscar winner Chloe Zhao is involved in the sequel as a director. Her film "Nomadland" was a big hit at the 2021 Academy Awards. The drama won the trophy for Best Film, for example, while Zhao won the award for Best Director. However, her Marvel movie "Eternals" received far less recognition.
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman will act as showrunners for the new "Buffy" series. The siblings have worked as writers on the legal drama series "Suits" and the Marvel series "Agents of Shield". The creator of the original series, Joss Whedon, who has been embroiled in a number of scandals, is said not to be involved in the project.
With the new "Buffy" sequel, the franchise would get its third series. The success of the original series had already led to the spin-off series "Angel". It is not yet known whether other well-known actors will appear in the new series, but the return of Sarah Michelle Gellar shows that anything is possible.
The Influence of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Not only did "Buffy" create a large universe of its own, it also paved the way for many series that conquered the fantasy and supernatural genre in innovative fashion in the years that followed. Joss Whedon's series, which ran from 1997 to 2003, was a unique blend of teen drama, horror, humor and deep mythology. Its influences are far-reaching and are mirrored in numerous later series. Here are some series that would have been unimaginable without "Buffy".
Veronica Mars
"Veronica Mars" is one of the series that has been heavily influenced by "Buffy", especially with regards to the main character and the mix of crime, drama and mystery. Veronica (Kristen Bell) is a sharp-witted young woman who deals with various cases, much like Buffy, protecting her friends and the world from supernatural threats. Both series combine everyday problems with a dark, mysterious world in which the protagonist often learns more about herself and her role in society as she battles menacing forces.
Charmed
"Charmed" follows the Halliwell sisters who, after the death of their mother, discover that they are powerful witches who must fight against dark forces. The series, which benefited directly from the "Buffy" hype in 1998, shares many thematic elements. Both series deal with young women who have to take on a responsibility that they do not fully grasp at first. Here, too, there is a strong emphasis on team spirit, with the group as the central element, and the mixture of supernatural battles with personal challenges.
Supernatural
"Supernatural" follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they travel across the United States to fight supernatural beings. Although the two series are partly different in structure, a clear "Buffy" influence can be seen in the way the series combines mythological elements with a humorous yet dark tone. In addition, the theme of growing up and the question of one's place in the fight against evil is also dealt with in "Supernatural", similar to Buffy and her friends. The dynamic between the characters and the constant struggle with the dark side of the world, coupled with a strong family bond, can also be perceived as a "Buffy" influence.
The Vampire Diaries
"The Vampire Diaries" follows the story of Elena Gilbert, who immerses herself in the world of vampires and other supernatural beings. Here you can see clear influences from "Buffy", especially in the mixture of romantic storylines, supernatural battles and the development of the main characters. Elena faces many of the same challenges as Buffy: she is confronted with supernatural dangers, has to make difficult decisions and constantly questions her role as a "heroine". The close bond between the characters and the support from friends and family is also reminiscent of what Buffy and her clique were all about.
