There’s a new Slayer in town. But don’t worry, your original favorite vampire hunter is here to make the introduction. Ryan Kiera Armstrong has officially landed the lead role in Hulu’s upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred in the original 90s supernatural series, shared a video of herself welcoming Armstrong onto the series. Check it out below.
The next chapter in the Buffyverse will see Gellar reprise her role as Buffy Summers. Armstrong will play a new teen Slayer in the show. However, we don’t have any more details about her character at this time.
Hulu has ordered a pilot for the series, written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao will direct the pilot episode. In addition to appearing as Buffy, Gellar also executive produces the show.
“From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side,” Gellar said. “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”
Armstrong gained her first professional acting credit at just 8 years old in The Art of Racing In the Rain. Since then, she’s appeared in a number of blockbuster films, including IT: Part Two, The Tomorrow War, and Marvel’s Black Widow. She also led 2022’s Firestarter. Armstrong’s TV credits include Netflix’s Anne with an E, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, American Horror Story, and The Lowdown.
“We are so overjoyed to have found this generation’s slayer in Ryan Kiera Armstrong, she absolutely blew us away,” said the Zuckermans. “There is no question in our mind that she is the chosen one.”
A New Chosen One for a New Era?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is often billed as a cult classic. I’d argue it’s pretty widely popular, but regardless, the series definitely has a hardcore dedicated fanbase. Even though Sarah Michelle Gellar didn’t technically originate the role (Kristy Swanson played the character in the film that ultimately spawned the popular TV series), she’s so tied to the character and the Buffyverse, many fans have expressed that they wouldn’t be interested in a Buffy series without her. So, when Hulu announced that Gellar would board a reboot, that grabbed the attention of many fans.
Gellar herself seems excited for the Buffy reboot – and to bring on Ryan Kiera Armstrong as a new slayer for a new generation of fans. So, what do you think of the new slayer joining the reboot? Let us know in the comments below.
That Hashtag Show
