Now that the wheels are in motion, the big question is: Who should take over the reins as the sassy, sultry, stake-wielding, bloodsucker-slaying heroine? See our picks for the best candidates. -- By Tom DiChiara
Sarah Michelle Gellar: She played Buffy in creator Joss Whedon's cult fave TV series from '97 to '03, but chances she'll get the nod are unlikely. Producers say they'll use one of the saga's underlying ideas -- that there's one vamp destroyer in every generation -- to introduce some fresh blood to the mix.
Kristy Swanson: She originated the role in the 1992 film, but with producers insisting that this will be a relaunch, there's pretty much no chance we'll see the 40-year-old kicking vampire but anytime soon.
Blake Lively: Her resume is light on the action to be sure, but the 'Gossip Girl' starlet has plenty of experience navigating the treacherous world of high school. We could see her destroying some Upper East Side vamps -- or simply ruining their reputations with a blast on the Gossip Girl Web site.Blake Lively Photos
Actress Blake Lively attends the 2009 The CW Network UpFront at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2009 in New York City. 2009 The CW Network UpFront Madison Square Garden New York, NY United States May 21, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57510696), contact FilmMagic.com
Jim Spellman/FilmMagic.com
Actress Blake Lively attends the 2009 The CW Network UpFront at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2009 in New York City. 2009 The CW Network UpFront Madison Square Garden New York, NY United States May 21, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57510691), contact FilmMagic.com
Jim Spellman/FilmMagic.com
Blake Lively is seen on the streets of Manhattan on May 21, 2009 in New York City. Celebrity Sightings In New York - May 21, 2009 Streets of New York New York, NY United States May 21, 2009 Photo by Soul Brother/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57510338), contact FilmMagic.com
Soul Brother/FilmMagic.com
Blake Lively is seen on the streets of Manhattan on May 21, 2009 in New York City. Celebrity Sightings In New York - May 21, 2009 Streets of New York New York, NY United States May 21, 2009 Photo by Soul Brother/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57510318), contact FilmMagic.com
Soul Brother/FilmMagic.com
Blake Lively is seen at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2009 in New York City. Celebrity Sightings in New York - May 21, 2009 Streets of New York New York, NY United States May 21, 2009 Photo by Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57508535), contact FilmMagic.com
Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com
Blake Lively is seen at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2009 in New York City. Celebrity Sightings in New York - May 21, 2009 Streets of New York New York, NY United States May 21, 2009 Photo by Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57508514), contact FilmMagic.com
Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com
Blake Lively is seen at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2009 in New York City. Celebrity Sightings in New York - May 21, 2009 Streets of New York New York, NY United States May 21, 2009 Photo by Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57508507), contact FilmMagic.com
Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com
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©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM The CW Network 2009 Upfront at Madison Square Garden. Picture Shows: Blake Lively NON-EXCLUSIVE May 21, 2009 Job: 90521M3 New York, New York www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
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©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM The CW Network 2009 Upfront at Madison Square Garden. Picture Shows: Leighton Meester, Jessica Szohr, Taylor Momsen, Blake Lively NON-EXCLUSIVE May 21, 2009 Job: 90521M3 New York, New York www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
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Hayden Panettiere: Should this new Buffy also be a high school cheerleader turned badass killer of the Nosferatu persuasion, 19-year-old Panettiere would be a shoo-in: She currently plays a fearless, invincible (former) high school cheerleader on NBC's 'Heroes.'
Kristen Bell: Like Panettiere, she's earned her action stripes as a super-powered heroine on 'Heroes.' And her turn in 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' proved that she's got the comedic chops to nail Buffy's patented wry, sarcastic humor.
Kristen Stewart: From vampire lover in 'Twilight' to vampire hunter in 'Buffy'? It's not inconceivable. Stewart excels at playing mysterious teens, and she's got a legion of 'Twilight' fans that just might follow her to a new franchise. We'd say she's got a shot.
Summer Glau: When is she not badass? From her breakout role in 'Serenity' to her show-stealing turn as a deadly and dead sexy Terminatrix on Fox's 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,' this is one girl locked and loaded to terminate some bloodsuckers.
Reader Comments (89)
dani at 6:20PM on May 26th 2009
No one can play Buffy better than SMG. If its someone else, i will not spend my money on seeing nor will i be happy with Joss Whedon
kelly at 1:37PM on May 27th 2009
I agree with britany snow..Maybe..From the list I would say Kristen bell, The chick from twilight and then the terminator chick..But the idea that, and i will use caps for this. THE IDEA THAT THEY WOULD MAKE A MOVIE OF BUFFY WITHOUT JOSS WHEDON AND THE ORNIGIONAL CAST IS RUBBISH! YOU CANT DO THAT! AND NO PERSON OTHER THEN IDIOTS, ARE GOING TO EVEN CONSIDER SEEING A MOVIE WITHOUT THE MIAN CAST AND WITHOUT JOSS BEING BEHIND IT..AND SINCE THERES NO MORE SPIKE..AND OTHER MAIN CHARACTERS ARE DEAD..THEY WOULD HAVE TO WORK HARD TO DO A CONTINUATION WHICH I THINK IF THEY MADE ANY BUFFY MOVIE AT ALL, THEY SHOULD CONTINUE THE STORY..AND USING SMG AS BUFFY BUT AS A REMAKE..WOULD JUST FEEL LIKE DE JA VU FROM THE SHOW..SO BAD IDEA ALL TOGETHER! THANK YOU COME AGAIN..
Tanahy at 3:46PM on May 28th 2009
From what I heard Joss Wheadon has nothing to do with this movie.
L. at 11:23AM on Jun 5th 2009
I agree, Sarah Michelle Gellar IS The Vampire Slayer. However, she IS pushing 30. Isn't the Slayer SUPPOSED to be a teenager? Hayden would definitely do the part justice. Have you seen her in Heros? She's got the smart-ass side of Buffy down pat. Bonus, if she started taking martial arts. It was AWESOME watching Sarah truly kick vampire butt.
jaymzangel at 11:23PM on Jun 2nd 2009
Joss is not involved with this.
according to heyuguys.co.uk:
Joss Whedon has spoken out about the proposed Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie.
Fran Rubel Kuzui, who holds the rights to the franchise, recently announced that she is hoping to resurrect the character without the involvement of creator Joss Whedon.
In a brief interview with Entertainment Weekly, Whedon, who is currently working on the second season of Dollhouse said of the movie: "I hope it's cool."
Cherie at 1:15AM on Jun 14th 2009
I agree without Joss -no slayer... or at least they won't be getting my money. Joss is Boss without his blessings the film is sure to be a flop.
CJ Bowen at 2:36PM on Jul 3rd 2009
Yeah Sarah Michelle Gellar is the only person who can play as buffy.. I mean i understand they want to started with a new face on all but u have to have Sarah in this movie she want made the show and if they where smart they pick her to this movie...
Figerou at 6:40PM on May 26th 2009
Hello! Brittany Snow would be the perfect Buffy the Vampire Slayer!! She should have made your list.
Marissa at 1:56AM on Oct 14th 2009
Yea right, Britney Snow is no Buffy
Holly at 8:00PM on May 26th 2009
Well if you want any fans of the series to actually show up...Sarah!
dasheem at 9:45PM on May 26th 2009
i agree sarah michelle gellar's the best buffy
Josh at 6:39AM on May 27th 2009
Although I enjoyed Sarah as Buffy, the entire cast would be necessary IMO. Of course, the main player who needs to be involved is Joss and without him, the whole thing is kind of moot. It won't be Buffy. I wish them luck (well, not really) but no Joss = no me. And no script either, probably.
Bater.
J
L at 9:36AM on May 27th 2009
i was with you there till you mentioned Joss Whedon. yes, they should have the original cast that made the Buffster a cult TV show. sadly i have to say that they shouldnt be even be thinking about doing the movie at all. its a little too late dont you think? no offense to Twlight fans, but its because of the Buffster that Fans of Twlight got their chance to shine in the spotlight now. i mean, look at all the new shows that air on tv with very hot bloodsuckers- True Blood, Moonlight ( well, it was on TV, briefly), blood ties, .
L at 9:57AM on May 27th 2009
no offense to you Josh, but Joss sucks, . look at how long it took Joss to make a decision and look at what is happening now, someone else wants to destroy the slayer we all know and love. no thanks, i rather wait to watch it on HBO or one of those movie channels if it is ever brought back.
Isa at 7:32AM on May 27th 2009
Buffy 2 without Kristy Swanson would be like ham without the eggs.
jforg33 at 7:39AM on May 27th 2009
While Sarah should really be the top choice...I think Kristen Bell would be awesome as well. If they pick a complete unknown I think this movie will suck.
Walter at 8:02AM on May 27th 2009
How about casting someone that is actually in the correct AGE group??? Casting people who are in their late 20's or even 30's to play a 16 year old just does NOT work! What do you do for a sequel? Have a 40 year old playing a 17 year old. They are having a hard enough time doing the Harry Potter movies 18 months apart with the stars only 'ageing' a year. There are many great teen actresses out there that should be considered, not a bunch of 'long in the tooth' women, no matter how hot or experienced they are.
Consider Vivien Cardone [my choice], Erin Sanders, Victoria Justice, Emily Osment, Jeannette McCurdy, Abbey Wilde, and India Eisley are just a few examples of TEEN actresses [and dreams] that should be considered!
CASSANDRA at 8:21AM on May 27th 2009
i reallly believe that with the orginal cast members from the tv show would be the best bet because they know what to do with the roles since they palyed it before ......... if you don't use they orginals when then whats the point of remaking it ... if the same cast members aren't doing it going TO SUCK MAJOR ASS sorry to tell you but youll lose the watchers who look forward to the first cast members.......... USE THE ORGINALS
HOPE THEY USE THE ORGINALS WITH SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR.
DON'T MESS UP THEY SERIES BY PUT NEW CAST MEMBERS THAT WHERE NEVER IN IT TO BEGIN.......... THIS IS ONE SERIES THAT WILL DISAPPOINT WATCHERS IF THERE ARE NEW PEOPLE IN IT......
shannon at 8:56AM on May 27th 2009
Umm, if SMG is unlikely to get the role because they want to expand on the idea a new slayer for every generation, wouldn't the character not even be Buffy then? I'm confused. And if they are doing a remake of the movie, count me out, I already sat through it at the movie theatre once, I am not doing it again. I would however go to see it if the did what sex and the city did and pick up where the ending left off and have the original people from the show in the movie.
scorpiotempest at 8:58AM on May 27th 2009
I think it should be Susan Boyle.