Buffy Revival: 10 Must-Return Characters!

The Buffyverse is growing as Hulu has announced a new version of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Unlike previous attempts at revivals that didn’t happen, this project is special because Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the iconic Slayer, is coming back and will also produce. This series seems to be taking a unique path by introducing a new protagonist as the Slayer while still advancing Buffy’s storyline, indicating an expansion of the universe rather than a full reboot. With Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao at the helm for the pilot and writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman working on the story alongside original producers, this revival promises to maintain the groundbreaking legacy of a show that changed TV storytelling by combining horror, comedy, and deep character development.

The classic show Buffy the Vampire Slayer revolutionized TV by blending supernatural themes with real-life challenges, creating a captivating ensemble of characters whose stories struck a chord with audiences. As the Hulu reboot readies itself to expand on this legacy, there are specific figures who we believe should make a return – individuals whose incomplete storylines, connections with Buffy, or potential for further development could significantly enhance this new phase. Sadly, Michelle Trachtenberg is no longer with us; her character Dawn Summers was one we were particularly looking forward to revisiting. Despite her absence from the screen, we hope that the upcoming revival acknowledges and pays tribute to Trachtenberg’s remarkable contributions in the original series somehow.

Including these Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters in the revival is important for maintaining continuity and evoking strong emotions among long-time fans, while also introducing these cherished personalities to a fresh audience. Here’s our selection of characters we believe should appear in the revival.

Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan)

Alyson Hannigan played the role of Buffy’s best friend, Willow Rosenberg, over the course of the series’ seven seasons. Initially a timid computer expert, Willow evolved into one of the strongest witches in the Buffyverse universe. Her character arc included important relationships with werewolf Oz (Seth Green) and fellow witch Tara Maclay (Amber Benson), an exploration of her sexuality, and confronting the hazardous aspects of magic addiction. By the end of the series, Hannigan’s character cast a spell that had a profound impact on the Slayer legacy by awakening all potential Slayers globally. Since Willow was one of the few individuals who could empathize with both Buffy’s personal hardships and supernatural duties, her reappearance would be crucial for maintaining emotional consistency in the revival.

Rupert Giles (Anthony Head)

Anthony Head skillfully infused intelligence and nuance into his character Rupert Giles, who served as Buffy’s Watcher and mentor figure. Initially appearing as a meticulous British librarian with an extensive knowledge of the supernatural, Giles later showed layers of intrigue through glimpses into his rebellious “Ripper” past. Across the show, Head beautifully depicted Giles’ transformation from a traditional Watcher to someone prepared to bend Council regulations for Buffy’s unorthodox approach. The bond between Giles and Buffy was strained during his contentious departure in Season 6, when he parted ways with Sunnydale under the belief that Buffy should learn independence. As the figure with the most extensive Slayer history and insights into supernatural developments since the initial series, Giles could offer insightful perspective on how the supernatural realm has progressed over time.

Faith Lehane (Eliza Dushku)

In the television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Eliza Dushku played Faith Lehane, a rebellious Slayer who offered an intriguing contrast to Buffy’s more hesitant heroics. Making her debut in Season 3 following Kendra’s (Bianca Lawson) death, Faith initially teamed up with Buffy but later turned to evil, joining forces with Mayor Richard Wilkins (Harry Groener) and committing crimes. Dushku delivered a captivating performance as Faith transitioned through villainy, imprisonment, and eventual redemption, which carried over into the spinoff series “Angel.” The complex interplay between Faith and Buffy—ranging from rivalry to hatred to grudging respect—generated some of the show’s most gripping interactions. Reintroducing this experienced Slayer with a fresh take on power would introduce immediate dramatic possibilities while delving into how her character has changed over time.

Spike (James Marsters)

James Marsters took the character Spike, originally intended as a short-term villain, and turned him into one of the show’s most cherished figures. Initially appearing as a captivating vampire adversary alongside his companion Drusilla (Juliet Landau), Spike underwent a transformation into a multifaceted antihero after being captured by an organization called The Initiative, who inserted a device in his brain to prevent him from hurting humans. Marsters’ portrayal of Spike saw him developing feelings for Buffy, seeking redemption, and ultimately giving up his life to save the world. Although he appeared to meet his end in the final episode, Spike was later revived in the last season of Angel, leaving his end uncertain. Lately, Marsters has shown interest in Buffy’s return, saying, “I think the world needs her,” hinting at a possible willingness to reprise his famous role once more.

Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon)

In the initial “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series, Nicholas Brendon played Xander Harris, a steadfast companion who brought the common man’s viewpoint to the Scooby Gang. Devoid of supernatural abilities, Xander offered his strength through unwavering bravery, logical reasoning, and moral compass during critical moments. Brendon masterfully blended Xander’s signature humor with increasing emotional depth, as seen in his relationships with vengeance demon Anya Jenkins (Emma Caulfield) and his brief romance with Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter). Despite enduring numerous hardships, such as losing an eye in the final season, Xander remained the group’s emotional center. His friendship with Buffy and Willow formed the emotional backbone of the original show, making him crucial for maintaining consistency between past events and future reprisals.

Anya Jenkins (Emma Caulfield)

Emma Caulfield brought to life one of the most endearing characters from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” namely Anya Jenkins, who was once a thousand-year-old vengeance demon but turned into a human. Initially planned as a transient character, the captivating blend of Anya’s ancient outlook and innocent exploration of human emotions made her a series regular. Caulfield skillfully portrayed Anya’s candid comments about humanity and capitalism while developing heartfelt bonds within the Scooby Gang, particularly with Xander. As the story unfolded, Anya transitioned from demon to human to hero, culminating in a selfless sacrifice in the series finale; however, in the world of “Buffy,” death doesn’t always mean forever. The unique voice and perspective that Anya brought to understanding humanity continued the show’s trend of exploring human nature through supernatural means.

Angel (David Boreanaz)

David Boreanaz’s character, Angel, is a vampire who possesses a soul and was initially Buffy’s first significant love. Their tumultuous romance provided an emotional backbone for the early seasons of the series, with a heartbreaking turn in Season 2 when Angel lost his soul and reverted to Angelus following a brief period of “unadulterated happiness” with Buffy. The character’s journey towards redemption was further explored in the spinoff show Angel, which ran for five seasons. Despite parting ways, Angel and Buffy continued to share a deep bond. The question of what transpired between these influential characters following their respective shows’ conclusions remains a topic of interest among fans, as Angel’s eventual return promises to shed light on this enduring mystery.

Andrew Wells (Tom Lenk)

Tom Lenk infused an unexpected blend of depth and comedy into the character of Andrew Wells, who first appeared as part of a trio of bumbling villains alongside Warren Mears (Adam Busch) and Jonathan Levinson (Danny Strong) in Season 6. Initially portrayed as a timid follower, Andrew transformed into a character seeking redemption after the death of Warren and the murder of Jonathan. Lenk brilliantly conveyed Andrew’s love for pop culture and his self-important narrative perspective, offering comic relief during the show’s darkest moments while gradually earning acceptance within the extended Scooby Gang. By the end of the series, Andrew was seen training under Giles and documenting the Slayers’ exploits, hinting at untapped abilities that a potential revival could delve into while preserving the original show’s mix of humor and high-stakes drama.

Illyria (Amy Acker)

Amy Acker’s character, Illyria, was a memorable addition to the Buffyverse, even though she debuted late during the final season of Angel. Originally an ancient demon god, Illyria took over the body of Winifred “Fred” Burkle. Acker’s impressive acting skills skillfully portrayed the contrast between Fred’s gentle human nature and Illyria’s aloof alien demeanor. The character’s arc explored the intriguing transformation of a primordial being adapting to a world where her kind no longer held dominion. Although Illyria had limited screen time, her journey to understand humanity as an outsider and her growing connections with Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) and other characters offered fascinating philosophical insights. As one of the most powerful beings in the Buffyverse, Illyria embodies the series’ mythology at its grandest cosmic scale, offering a unique perspective on supernatural history that spans over millennia.

2025-03-08 19:14