Who will be the new face of Buffy?
Well it looks like a new Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie will hit the big screen after all. But before you get too excited about the prospect, neither Joss Whedon or any of the former cast will be involved.
The new movie will have no connection to the TV series so Sarah Michelle and Co will not be on board.
Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment are working in conjunction with Fran Rubel Kuzui who directed the original film made in 1992 and starring Kristy Swanson in the role of Buffy. This film is being labelled as a ‘relaunch’ according to The Hollywood Reporter. Not a prequel or a sequel as so many fans had hoped for.
Both Vertigo and Kuzui Enterprises want to restart the story without messing with the existing Buffy world so adored by fans. One idea that has been put forward which would allow them to perhaps succeed is the original premise: Into Each Generation a slayer is born. One girl in all the world. She alone will stand against the vampires the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.
To me, that would mean it should be a new slayer altogether – that would make more sense. But we have had two different Buffy’s already; Kristy Swanson in the original campy movie and Sarah Michelle Gellar in the series. I guess if the movie has a whole new feel then why not a new actor to portray Buffy?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the goal is to make a darker feeling film with franchise potential – of course! I don’t know if this would work for them. Although the series had many dark themes and moments there was always the undercurrent of Joss Whedon’s wry humour to counter it. To me, that is what made the series what it was. Without that, will it be just another schlock action/adventure or horror film? It was the humour the fans loved so much, or maybe that was what I loved so much.
At this stage it seems they are still meeting with writers and hearing their differing takes on the direction of the film so nothing is concrete as yet. The producers have also not ruled out involvement with Whedon but have yet to contact him about it so it seems unlikely.
Michael Ausiello from EW.com reported that when asked how he felt about the project, Whedon responded with, “I hope it’s cool”. Whedon is currently filming the horror movie The Cabin in the Woods.
Fran Kuzui (who with her husband Kaz make up Kuzui Enterprises) has said that their production company is constantly being approached about series sequels, movies, video games and even foreign remakes of the original series. When they were contacted by Roy Lee from Vertigo, he got their attention.
“It was based on our respect for what he does and his particular sensitivity to Asian filmmakers, that we wanted to work with him” they are quoted as saying. Kuzui, who will be directing a movie in Japan in a few months added: “Everything has its moment. Every movie takes on a life at some point, and this seems like the moment to do this”.
I’m not sure whether the fans of the hit series will agree. But then again, taking the story in a new direction may just give Buffy a new lease on life and introduce the character to a whole new generation of fans. As a massive Whedon fan I can’t imagine I would be anything but disappointed if it is not carefully done as it was his whip-smart writing is what won me over in the first place.
That said, the new Star Trek movie is proving to be a massive success and has gone in a different direction to each of the series and preceding films. This movie may surprise us all.
How do you feel about a new Buffy the Vampire Slayer without Joss Whedon or any of the cast or major characters? Remember, if this is a relaunch, there will be no Angel or Spike, no Willow or Xander. There will be a new Buffy, a new watcher and no Scoobie Gang.
I think the only interest I will have is if they decide to take it to a very dark place and forgo the witty repartee that Whedon and his group of writers for famous for. If they try to replicate that, they will fail miserably in my opinion. But a darker, more brooding movie could be very interesting indeed.
I guess we’ll all just have to wait and see.
Who would you like to see play the new Buffy? Remember she is supposed to be a high school girl if you go back to the original vision. But just maybe you would like to see the relaunched Buffy a bit older, wiser and tougher. I’d love to hear who YOU would like to see play her.
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I’m going to throw my own name in the ring for the role of Buffy. Why not?
Actually, the concept of a darker more sinister version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer intrigues me immensely. We’ll see! Hopefully they don’t try to “Twilight” it up and gear it toward the teenybopper crowd.
If they ‘Twilight’ it, it will take the bite out…pun intended
I’m only really interested in it if they do make it dark and sinister. It needs to be very different to work I think. Last time the Kuzui’s took Joss out of the Buffy picture we had the original (crappy) movie.
If they do it then Buffy has to be totally different. Summer Glau would be a good choice. That girl can kick arse.
You’d make a great slayer. I could just see you out roaming the streets with your stake!
Glad you agree Cheryl. I think the world is ready for Natalina the Vampire Slayer. It’s time.
Without a doubt if they are going to change Buffys it should be Jessica Biel. Beautiful, strong and can fight. Have you seen the Blade movie with her in it yet?
I still think no SMG, no Buffy. It will probably suck
The original movie was okay, not that memorable. The series had its moments, but wasn’t really my cup of garlic tea. But I watched it for Faith. Oh yeah. Eliza baby.
I would like to see the girl from Twilight as a rough and angry slayer. Would be a great irony – make love to them in one franchise and then steak them to death in the next.
By the way – the book and USB is wrapped and being sent tomorrow.
I threw in a surprise for you too – how does the 1st season of True Blood sound? Well not really a surprise anymore but you know what I mean!
Jo, oh yeah Jessica is very cool. She’s also a babe but not in that California blonde type of way. She could rough ‘em up.
Bryn, can I share a secret with you (and obviously whoever else reads this now), I have a bit of a girl crush on Eliza. When Buffy started to go a bit downhill, in came Faith and wow! She is one the hottest women around. Forget turning gay for Angelina, mine would be Eliza
Jason, that would be irony at its best. But could she play dark and sinister which is where I hope they go with it? As for the parcel and the presssie, thank you! Have I told you how much I love you!!!!! You’re the best.Mwah!
I think I will try to catch this one , whom ever the role is cast to.
Hi Rick, I’m not sure what I’ll do until it’s made. I’m an old school Buffy fan
It’s going to bite!!!!! Without Joss and Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, James Marsters, and of course David Boreanaz it sould not be made. Buffy only ended 7 years ago and the comics have continued it so they should start fron there !! And sorry to do the girl thing but Buffy and Angel need 2 end up happily everafter!!!
I want to see a unknown girl play buffy. The movie suck and the show rock. So if this going to be a different buffy then change her up alittle. dont make her older make her as a teen still. Make her have brown hair not blond. Make her this preppy cheerleader rich girl who fines out she the next slayer. Also i think buffy should have a brother or sister. make her have a older sister or brother or younger brother or sister. Also for her friends make them unknown people also. Just be careful making this movie, cuz u have one crappy movie that suck balls and you have this 7 years of a tv show that rock. But who ever u get to play buffy she will be compaire to SMG no matter what.
I would like to see Nina Dobrev from The Vampire Diaries play Buffy Summers. She hot and can kick ass..