A new Slayer has been chosen! (well, that’s what we assume)
Sarah Michelle Gellar, the original Buffy the Slayer from the 1997 series, recently broke the news to young Star Wars: Skeleton Crew star Ryan Kiera Armstrong that she wanted her standing by her side as she returns to face down the dark forces of the Hellmouth.
Ryan Kiera Armstrong is most recently known for playing Fern on the Disney+ Original Series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, released last year, putting her future involvement in any potential future seasons of that galaxy far, far away series in doubt.
While still in development at Hulu (owned by Disney), where it will most likely air exclusively, Sarah has committed to returning to her star-making role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in a new as-yet untitled series, but with a young, new cast at the center of it all. Ryan Kiera Armstrong has agreed to take on the also as-yet named lead role, presumably at the forefront of the next generation of Slayers called to battle the demonic darkness that seeks to infest the world and overtake it.
While many have touted this new series as a reboot, this is more of a sequel to the iconic Slayer saga launched in March of 1997 before switching networks to UPN and coming to a close in its 7th season in 2003. Following the adventures of reluctant heroine Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer went from underground hit to media juggernaut on the burgeoning networks, inspiring countless clones on various networks, all focusing on teen melodrama mixed with humor and a supernatural twist that tapped a somehow long-overlooked demographic.
Besides Gellar’s announcement that she was interested in returning to the character that defined her as an actress and inspired a generation of feminist heroines, the announcement of the series lead in Armstrong is a major step toward making this series a reality and not just one more pipe dream by the still fervent fandom.
Originally created by Joss Whedon, a once heralded geek icon and synonymous with all things Buffy, this new Hulu series does not appear to have any involvement from the “Master”, due to long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct and impropriety on set and off that have pushed him far from his beloved creations and Hollywood itself. There was a time when no one could imagine a new Buffy series without the involvement of Whedon. But for now, everyone seems pretty okay with it.
Expect more casting and series launch announcements to hit as we get closer to the summer convention season and anytime Disney gets the urge to tempt us with more details on their official channels.