Into Every Generation, A New Slayer Is Born: Ryan Kiera Armstrong Joins “Buffy” Legacy Series
The highly anticipated “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” legacy sequel series is officially moving forward, and the Buffyverse has found its next Chosen One! Ryan Kiera Armstrong, known for her powerful performance in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, has been cast as the new Slayer.
In a truly epic “passing the stake” moment, original Slayer Sarah Michelle Gellar herself delivered the exciting news to the 15-year-old actress. “I know this process has been hard,” Gellar prefaced in a heartwarming video clip, before asking Armstrong, “How do you feel about helping me save the world? You wanna be my chosen one?” Gellar later shared her profound confidence in Armstrong, stating, “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.”
This new chapter in the “Buffy” saga is set to feature Sarah Michelle Gellar reprising her iconic role as Buffy Summers, but this time in a supporting, mentor-like capacity. The series is being penned by Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman, who will also serve as showrunners and executive producers. Adding to the star power behind the scenes, Oscar-winning Eternals director Chloé Zhao is attached to helm the pilot episode and executive produce under her Book of Shadows banner. Gellar will also executive produce alongside Gail Berman, with Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, and none other than Dolly Parton also on board as executive producers – a testament to the enduring legacy and widespread appeal of the original series. 20th Television and Searchlight Television will produce the show.
Sarah Michelle Gellar recently took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with her devoted fanbase, shedding light on her decision to return to the beloved universe:
“So….. you might have heard some news this week, but I realize you haven’t heard from me. Three years ago, I got a call from my dear friend and mentor, Gail Berman. She told me that she wanted me to sit down with Chloé Zhao to hear her take on a potential ‘Buffy’ revival. I was blown away that Chloé even knew who I was, but, as I’ve always done, I told Gail that I just didn’t see a way for the show to exist again. We’d always been aligned on that, but this time I heard something different in her voice. I eventually agreed to go (mainly just to meet Chloé) and our twenty minute coffee quickly turned into a four hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us. While I didn’t agree to anything at that meeting, I did shock myself by agreeing to continue the conversation.
These conversations did, in fact, continue over the next few years and eventually we added the incredible Nora and Lilla Zuckerman to our little tribe until ultimately, one day, we landed on an idea. I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit ‘Buffy’ and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right. This has been a long process, and it’s not over yet. I promise you, we will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there. I feel so lucky to be on this journey with these four unbelievably talented women, all of whom love ‘Buffy’ as much as I do. And as much as you do. Thank you to all the fans who never stopped asking for this. This will be for you.”
While the focus will be on a new Slayer, fans are already buzzing about the potential return of other original cast members. Charisma Carpenter, who famously portrayed Cordelia Chase, has expressed her hope to receive the call to reprise her role. “From what I understand, there isn’t even a pilot at the moment, so I hope — if I am involved — I hope so in some fashion it’s more in a substantive way. That would be my dream,” she shared.
This news promises an exciting new chapter for the “Buffy” franchise, blending beloved characters with fresh talent and a creative team dedicated to honoring its rich legacy. Get ready to stake some vampires, because the Buffyverse is expanding!
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