6 ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayers’ Characters Who Probably Won’t Be in the Revival

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As a longtime fan, I’m excited about the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival coming to Hulu in 2026, now titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale. It’s great to hear Sarah Michelle Gellar is returning, though it sounds like not all the original cast will be joining her. The story will center around a new slayer, Nova, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. What really has me optimistic is the talent involved – Chloé Zhao, the director behind films like Hamnet and Eternals, is helming the pilot. Considering how much love there still is for the original 90s series, this revival has the potential to be something really special.

The seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer offer a lot to love, from its scary villains to its realistic stories about growing up, relationships, and friendship. Fans are hoping the upcoming revival captures the show’s special blend of heartfelt moments and thrilling action, and maybe even brings back some familiar faces. While characters like Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) seem likely to make an appearance, even if it’s just a short one, not every beloved resident of Sunnydale might return.

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Cordelia Chase


The WB

Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) was a key part of the first three seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, bringing a sharp wit and skepticism to the show as a popular high schooler. While it’s hard to picture those early seasons without her take on the classic mean girl, it’s difficult to see how her character would fit into a potential Buffy revival.

I was so heartbroken when Charisma Carpenter left Buffy after Season 3! It was amazing seeing her as Cordelia transition to Angel and become a paranormal detective alongside David Boreanaz’s Angel. Their partnership was just fantastic, but it was devastating when Cordelia died in Season 5. She’s always been one of the most interesting characters from Buffy, and honestly, I don’t see a realistic way for her to return. A flashback appearance feels possible, but it wouldn’t really fit with what’s happening now with Buffy or Nova as the new Slayer, since Cordelia never knew them as adults.

5
Faith Lehane


The WB

Faith, played by Eliza Dushku, is a fascinating and complex character who adds a lot of drama to Buffy’s life. Unlike Buffy, who wants to be liked and live a normal life, Faith doesn’t care what others think, which makes her incredibly compelling. As one of the strongest characters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer – both in terms of power and personality – it would be amazing to see an adult Faith and Buffy team up to fight new villains or mentor Nova. A big action sequence between them would be a real highlight!

As much as I’d love to see her back, I really don’t think Charisma Carpenter will appear in the Buffy revival. I was reading an interview with her in The Hollywood Reporter from December 2025, and she mentioned she’s actually left acting and has earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University. It sounds like she’s moved on to a completely different career path, which is fantastic for her!

4
Angel


The WB

Okay, so everyone’s dying to know: what’s Buffy’s love life looking like in this revival? Is she settling down, happily coupled up, or still flying solo? Honestly, details are scarce right now, and it’s got fans buzzing. And thinking about her romances inevitably brings me back to Angel – that brooding, good-hearted vampire who completely stole her (and our) hearts way back in Season 1. It was a truly iconic pairing, and I’m really hoping they acknowledge that history!

While a return for Angel isn’t impossible, it seems unlikely. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Instagram post about a Buffy revival in February 2025 was met with comments from David Boreanaz that suggest he won’t be involved. Given the years that have passed and the complex history between their characters – from their initial spark to the rocky beginning shown in Season 2’s “Innocence” – it probably makes sense to leave Angel’s story in the past.

3
Xander Harris


The WB

Xander Harris, played by Nicholas Brendon, is a core member of the Scooby Gang and helps Buffy adjust to life in Sunnydale. While some viewers find him annoying or overly negative, and he may not be as complex as the show’s villains, Xander is a loyal friend with a positive outlook. His early relationship with Cordelia is also a memorable and charming part of the series.

It would be great to see Buffy reconnect with Willow and the rest of the Scooby Gang, maybe even facing off against a classic vampire in a nostalgic episode. However, considering Brendon’s legal troubles – including a 2015 arrest for domestic disturbance, as reported by PEOPLE – it’s unlikely he’d be invited to join a potential revival.

2
Anya Jenkins


The WB

Anya Jenkins, played by Emma Caulfield, is a unique character on Buffy because she begins the series as a vengeance demon. Her relationship with Xander demonstrates that the show could still create compelling love stories, even after several seasons filled with action, challenges, and major events like Buffy’s death and resurrection. While some parts of Buffy haven’t aged well, Anya remains a consistently entertaining and unpredictable character.

As a longtime fan, it really hit me when Anya died in the final episode, “Chosen.” It feels like another one of the original characters who probably won’t be coming back, and honestly, that’s okay. I mean, maybe she’ll show up as a ghost, or Buffy might have a touching flashback, but I doubt it. The show seems to be moving forward with Nova and the newer faces, and that’s where the focus should be. If they do bring back someone from the past, it really needs to feel earned and make sense for the story, you know?

1
Tara Maclay


The WB

Fans love rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer and spotting all the little details, but even first-time viewers recognize the powerful connection between Tara Maclay (Amber Benson) and Willow. Their romance was one of the first LGBTQ+ relationships featured on a mainstream TV show, and their bond is genuinely heartwarming, despite constantly facing challenges from the show’s villains. Though Tara doesn’t appear until Season 4, Episode 10, “Hush,” she quickly feels like a natural fit within the world of Buffy and Willow’s lives.

In Season 6, Episode 19, titled “Seeing Red,” Tara tragically dies, and it’s a particularly heartbreaking moment in the series. This makes it seem very unlikely she’ll return, even as a ghost, though that’s a possibility, similar to Anya. The revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer should maintain the original show’s mix of realistic stories and fantastical villains, and a ghostly Tara might not quite fit that tone.

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2025-12-14 22:19