The iconic television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer has solidified its place as one of the best shows of the 1990s, making a reboot long overdue. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s portrayal of the titular main character has left a lasting impact, and these 10 actresses possess the capacity and skill to breathe new life into the beloved character still cherished today. Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s cultural significance extends beyond its initial run, as it redefined the landscape of television by presenting a strong, complex female lead who defied stereotypes and inspired a generation of viewers.
The series tackled themes of empowerment, friendship, and the challenges of growing up, resonating on a profound level. While a reboot would be able to answer some of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s unanswered questions, it is crucial to consider actresses who embody the spirit of Buffy Summers while bringing fresh perspectives to the role. By exploring the potential of these talented women, the legacy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer can be honored and reinvented for a new era.
10
Awkwafina
Known for Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and The Farewell (2019)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
Nora From Queens (2020-2023) | Nora |
The Little Mermaid (2023) | Scuttle |
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) | Ming |
Awkwafina’s versatility as an actress makes her an intriguing choice to portray Buffy in a reboot of the iconic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her comedic timing, showcased in Crazy Rich Asians, could add a new dimension to Buffy’s witty one-liners and quips. When it comes to the dramatic aspects of the character, as seen in The Farewell, Awkafina’s experience would enable her to handle Buffy’s emotional moments with depth and sincerity.
Awkwafina’s ability to bring humor and a witty persona would be an asset in capturing Buffy’s complex attributes, as the character navigates the challenges of being a teenager while also bearing the weight of her responsibilities as a vampire slayer. Additionally, Awkwafina’s unique screen presence and charisma could bring a fresh energy to the role, appealing to many. Her casting would also bring much-needed diversity to the lead role, reflecting the importance of representation in contemporary media.
9
Zazie Beetz
Known for Atlanta (2016-2022) and Deadpool 2 (2018)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
Atlanta (2016-2022) | Van |
Joker (2019) | Sophie |
Deadpool 2 (2018) | Domino |
With her commanding screen presence and undeniable talent, Zazie Beetz possesses the qualities needed to bring a fresh and compelling portrayal of Buffy Summers to life. Her roles in Deadpool 2 and Atlanta have showcased her versatility as an actress, effortlessly transitioning between intense action sequences and emotionally charged scenes. Beetz’s ability to convey both physicality and charm would be invaluable in capturing the multifaceted nature of Buffy’s character.
Beetz’s magnetic on-screen presence and natural charisma would undoubtedly captivate viewers, drawing them into Buffy’s world. This ensures that the reboot resonates with a new generation of fans while honoring the legacy of the original series, making it a thrilling and nostalgic experience for all. Her portrayal promises to bring depth and vitality to the beloved character, creating a Buffy for the modern age.
8
Maude Apatow
Known for This is 40 (2012) and Euphoria (2019-2022)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
Euphoria (2019-2022) | Lexi |
Assassination Nation (2018) | Grace |
This Is 40 (2012) | Sadie |
Maude Apatow’s portrayal of Lexi Howard in Euphoria demonstrates her capability to embody a character who possesses both inner strength and emotional depth, making her an excellent candidate for the role of Buffy Summers. Apatow’s nuanced performance in the series showcases her ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes, a skill that would be essential in portraying Buffy’s journey as she balances the challenges of being a vampire slayer. Her innate ability to convey vulnerability while simultaneously exuding an underlying sense of resilience aligns perfectly with the core attributes of Buffy’s character.
Apatow’s commanding screen presence and natural charisma would undoubtedly captivate viewers, ensuring that the reboot maintains the same level of engagement and emotional investment that made the original series so beloved. Maude Apatow has proven her acting prowess in several Judd Apatow projects, showing that she can bring a fresh and compelling interpretation to the iconic role of Buffy. This dynamic casting choice promises an exciting and authentic portrayal, infusing new energy into the timeless story.
7
Zoë Kravitz
Known for Big Little Lies (2017-2019) and The Batman (2022)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
The Batman (2022) | Selina |
High Fidelity (2022) | Robyn |
Big Little Lies (2017-2019) | Bonnie |
Zoë Kravitz’s edgy, modern persona, combined with her impressive acting range, positions her as a strong contender for the role of Buffy in a contemporary reboot. Her portrayal of Bonnie Carlson in Big Little Lies showcased her ability to navigate complex relationships, while her performance as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in The Batman demonstrated her aptitude for physically demanding roles and her capacity to embody iconic characters. Kravitz’s unique blend of coolness and vulnerability would allow her to capture Buffy’s wit, strength, and humanity, making the character relatable to a newer generation.
Additionally, her experience in both dramatic and action-oriented roles indicates that she possesses the versatility needed to tackle the multifaceted nature of Buffy’s character. Kravitz’s ability to seamlessly transition between heartfelt performances and physical prowess would enable her to authentically portray Buffy’s growth and development throughout the series. Her commanding presence ensures that the reboot maintains the same level of engagement and investment that made the original series so beloved.
6
Zendaya
Known for Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Dune: Part Two (2024)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Characters |
|---|---|
Dune: Part Two (2024) | Chani |
Euphoria (2019-2022) | Rue |
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) | MJ |
Zendaya’s impressive body of work, including her standout performances in Euphoria and the Spider-Man films, highlights her exceptional ability to portray characters that are both relatable and compelling. Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue in Euphoria demonstrated her skill at depicting a character grappling with complex personal struggles, while her role as MJ in Spider-Man: Homecoming showcased her talent for bringing a perfect balance of wit, strength, and vulnerability to her characters. These qualities align seamlessly with the essence of Buffy Summers, making Zendaya an ideal candidate to bring the iconic vampire slayer to life in a contemporary reboot.
Her undeniable charisma and magnetic screen presence would undoubtedly draw viewers into Buffy’s world, ensuring that the reboot captures the hearts of a new generation while honoring the legacy of the original series. With Zendaya leading the cast, the Buffy reboot would be primed for success, offering a fresh and dynamic take on the beloved character.
5
Kiernan Shipka
Known for Mad Men (2007-2015) and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
Totally Killer (2023) | Jamie |
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020) | Sabrina |
Mad Men (2007-2015) | Sally |
With a knack for bringing complex characters to life, Kiernan Shipka possesses the acting chops needed to take on the iconic role of Buffy Summers in a modern reboot. Her standout performance as Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina showcased her ability to portray a strong-willed, resourceful young woman faced with supernatural challenges, echoing the core attributes of Buffy’s character. Shipka’s talent for infusing her roles with authenticity and relatability would allow her to capture the essence of Buffy as she navigates the trials and tribulations of being a teenage vampire slayer.
Her experience of headlining a successful supernatural series demonstrates her capacity to carry the weight of a beloved franchise, ensuring that the Buffy reboot would be in capable hands. With Kiernan Shipka at the helm, the new incarnation of Buffy would undoubtedly captivate audiences, offering a fresh and compelling take on the cherished heroine.
4
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Known for Normal People (2020) and Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
War of the Worlds (2019-2022) | Emily |
Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) | Kya |
Fresh (2022) | Noa |
Normal People (2020) | Marianne |
Starring in the exciting 2024 reboot of Twister, Daisy Edgar-Jones makes her an ideal candidate for the role of Buffy Summers in a reboot of the beloved series. Her breakout performance in Normal People showcased her talent for conveying complex emotions and inner struggles, as she brought the character of Marianne to life with a perfect balance of vulnerability and resilience. These qualities align seamlessly with the essence of Buffy’s character, as the vampire slayer must navigate the challenges of her supernatural responsibilities while facing the everyday trials of teenage life.
Edgar-Jones’ natural charisma and undeniable screen presence would undoubtedly bring a fresh and compelling energy to the role, ensuring that the reboot resonates with both longtime admirers of the series and a new generation of viewers. Her ability to embody complex emotions and portray nuanced characters suggests that she is well-equipped to bring depth to Buffy’s character. With Daisy Edgar-Jones as the lead, the Buffy reboot would be poised for success, offering an interesting portrayal of the iconic character.
3
Anya Taylor-Joy
Known for The Menu (2022) and The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) | Princess Peach |
The Menu (2022) | Margot |
Peaky Blinders (2019-2022) | Gina Gray |
The Queen’s Gambit (2020) | Beth Harmon |
Split (2016) | Casey Cooke |
The Witch (2015) | Thomasin |
Anya Taylor-Joy’s versatility as an actress and her ability to bring depth to a wide range of roles make her an excellent choice for portraying Buffy Summers in a reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her captivating performance in The Queen’s Gambit showcased her talent for embodying characters who possess both inner strength and vulnerability, while her roles in films like The Menu demonstrated her capability to tackle diverse genres with ease.
Taylor-Joy’s magnetic screen presence and natural charisma would undoubtedly bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the character of Buffy, ensuring that the reboot engages viewers on multiple levels. Her proven track record of delivering powerful and memorable performances indicates that she has the acting prowess necessary to capture the essence of Buffy as she navigates the unique challenges that come with being a teenage vampire slayer in a contemporary setting.
2
Margaret Qualley
Known for Maid (2021) and Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
Drive-Away Dolls (2024) | Jamie |
Poor Things (2023) | Felicity |
Maid (2021) | Alex |
Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (2019) | Pussycat |
With a captivating screen presence and a talent for portraying resilient characters, Margaret Qualley is an excellent choice to bring Buffy Summers to life in a contemporary reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her critically acclaimed performance in Maid highlighted her ability to convey inner strength and determination, even in the face of adversity, which are essential qualities for capturing the essence of Buffy’s character. Qualley’s roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Leftovers serve as testaments to her emotional range and capacity to deliver authentic, memorable performances across various genres.
This versatility is crucial for portraying the multifaceted nature of Buffy, as she navigates the challenges of teenage life while shouldering the responsibility of being a vampire slayer. Qualley’s natural charisma and undeniable acting chops would undoubtedly bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the role, ensuring that the reboot resonates with a new generation of viewers while honoring the legacy of the original series.
1
Hannah Einbinder
Known for Hacks (2021-2024)
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Movie/TV Show | Character |
|---|---|
Hacks (2021-2024) | Ava |
Strange Planet (2023) | Manager |
Hannah Einbinder has proven her strong acting abilities with her impressive role in Hacks. She displays impeccable comedic timing and a strong affinity for delivering witty, sharp-tongued remarks, qualities that would serve her well in portraying Buffy Summers. Beyond her comedic prowess, Einbinder has also demonstrated a capacity for handling more serious, emotionally charged scenes with finesse, highlighting her range as an actress.
This ability to navigate both humor and drama with equal skill is essential for capturing the multifaceted nature of Buffy’s character, as she balances the lighthearted moments of teenage life with the graver responsibilities of being a vampire slayer. Einbinder’s talent for bringing fun and edge to her roles suggests that she could effectively portray Buffy’s personal growth and the challenges she faces throughout the series. With Hannah Einbinder in the lead role, a Buffy reboot would benefit from her fresh perspective and undeniable charisma.
