Buffy is currently dusting off the wooden stake for the streaming world. But where else might the world's most famous vampire slayer appear?
Buffy Revival Series
Earlier this year, it was announced that a brand-new Buffy revival was “nearing a pilot order” for Hulu. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) is attached to direct the first episode, while sisters Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face) are penning the script.
Sarah Michelle Gellar will be reprising her role as Buffy Summers while also serving as an executive producer alongside Zhao and Dolly Parton (yes, the world-famous musician), who's returning under her Sandollar banner like she did with the original television series.
The New Slayer Has Been Announced
There have been a few updates since the announcement, including Ryan Kiera Armstrong (2022's Firestarter, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew) being cast as the new Chosen One.
“From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side,” Gellar said in a statement.
“To have that kind of emotional intelligence, and talent, at such a young age is truly gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room.”
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman added: “We are so overjoyed to have found this generation’s slayer in Ryan Kiera Armstrong. She absolutely blew us away — there is no question in our mind that she is the chosen one.”
Related: ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Has Returned With a Surprising Twist : Disney Fanatic
Not much is known about the script, however, Gellar recently told Vanity Fair Italia that the new series “will try to find a balance new and old characters” (including ones who died in the show), while also being “lighter than the last few seasons of the original.”
While there's no release date for the new Buffy series, anticipation is high. The original series, which aired between 1997–2003, has amassed a huge following over the decades. The franchise has also continued in the form of comic books, novels, and audiobooks.
However, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has yet to grace the theme park setting. But now that the IP resides under Disney, who purchased 20th Century Fox in 2019, and with a brand-new TV series officially underway, is it possible that Sunnydale — and, of course, the Hellmouth that resides beneath it — could be set to make an appearance at Disney Parks?
Buffy at Disney Parks
In an era where almost every major franchise you can think of has gone under the Hollywood knife, it's high time Buffy the Vampire Slayer is given a modern makeover. And, thankfully, it's not a reboot — it's set in the same continuity as the original TV series and even has Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to the fray alongside exciting new characters.
But does the IP have a place in Disney Parks? We know that Buffy is enormously popular with its core fanbase, but outside that realm, does it resonate with wider audiences, and, more importantly, parkgoers? Disney may need to test the waters by having a Buffy meet-and-greet (along with a few welcome or not-so-welcome vampires, of course). And if it proves popular with guests, perhaps a Buffy-themed attraction somewhere down the line.
There's Plenty of Room for Buffy
With several Disney Parks expansions underway, including Disneyland Paris' Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be renamed Disney Adventure World), Disneyland California, Walt Disney World, and the upcoming resort in Abu Dhabi, there's more than enough room for locations such as Sunnydale High, or, at the very least, a Buffy-themed attraction.
For now, a new series should be enough Buffy for longtime fans to sink their teeth into.
Where Can I Stream Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is now streaming on Disney+.
Buffy stars Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), David Boreanaz (Angel), Anthony Head (Rupert Giles), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Seth Green (Oz), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Eliza Dushku (Faith), and James Marsters (Spike).
Does Buffy have a place in Disney Parks? Share your thoughts!
