The iconic '90s series Buffy the Vampire Slayer is making a comeback! This long-awaited news was recently confirmed by the show's lead actress, Sarah Michelle Gellar. According to her, the filming process for the sequel is moving quickly—but who will take the lead role, her or another actress? We already have the answer! Details about this and other fascinating facts about the series that you won’t be able to tear yourself away from—right now!

The Memory of the Show Suddenly Resurfaced!

The memory of Buffy the Vampire Slayer has suddenly resurfaced — not only because of the talks about a reboot but also due to a tragedy: Michelle Trachtenberg, one of the show's stars, has passed away at the age of 39.

@Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

According to the Daily Mail, Michelle who earlier underwent a liver transplant was found dead by her mother on February 26 in New York. The exact cause of her death has not been publicly confirmed but her close friend Amanda de Cadenet hinted that Michelle had been battling a serious illness, though details remain scarce.

A Dark Truth

According to TMZ, Michelle's family decided to skip an autopsy due to religious beliefs, adding even more mystery to her passing. In the wake of this tragedy, numerous articles about Michelle — who played Buffy's sister on the show — started appearing, and fans began recalling scandalous details about the series.

@dailymail.com

Interestingly, despite the show's massive success, Michelle decided to leave the project, and according to her, she had more than enough reasons. We’ll dive deeper into this later but for now, let’s go back to the beginning.

The Project Almost Got Canceled at the Start...

Few people know that Buffy the Vampire Slayer didn't start as a successful cult series but as a rather unsuccessful feature film (1991).

@AxelNoir/reddit.com

Joss Whedon, the show's creator and the movie's screenwriter, was inspired by countless horror films where the "helpless blonde" is the victim of vampires and monsters. And this turned out to be his biggest mistake...

Despite the Failure, the Director Didn't Give Up

Whedon wanted to break this stereotype and create a strong female lead. However, the film ended up as more of a comedy than a serious story, completely missing his original vision.

4 (8).jpg @screenrant.com

The ratings were terrible but Whedon didn't give up. That's why he decided to "fix" everything through the series.

A Long Road to the Airwaves

Despite the big plans of the production team, Buffy didn't make it to the air immediately. The pilot episode was ready but the project remained in the shadows for a while.

5 (7).jpg @imdb.com

The network delayed the show's production for a year, making the creators anxious. However, everything changed when a time slot opened up after the end of another popular show.

A Chance for Success!

That was when Whedon and his team got their shot — a bit of funding and only 12 episodes to test the waters. The team started filming, convinced it would be a one-time project. Finally, on March 10, 1997, Buffy the Vampire Slayer made its first appearance on The WB, stepping in to take the place of the quickly canceled soap opera Savannah.

@Online USA/Getty

By the way, the beloved show could have had a completely different name! Warner Bros. strongly pushed for it to be called Slayer but creator Joss Whedon refused. As it turned out, the show became so successful that they decided to continue! The ratings were off the charts, and Buffy won the hearts of fans worldwide who couldn't wait to watch the next episode.

A Strong Female Lead for the First Time!

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Buffy was its lead character, who broke away from typical stereotypes. Buffy wasn't just another victim; she was a strong, independent woman ready to fight vampires and monsters.

7 (8).jpg @Online USA/Getty

Her character shattered the trope that women in horror are just helpless victims, offering a fresh and inspiring role model to millions of viewers.

A Legendary Filming Location

The show didn't just change perceptions — it also made its filming location iconic. Buffy was filmed at Torrance High School, and the interesting fact! This location was used for another cult series, Beverly Hills, 90210!

8 (5).jpg @flickr.com

Today, fans of both shows jump at any chance to visit this place — imagine the nostalgia of standing right there!

There Were Only Three Rooms for Filming

At the very beginning, the production team could only afford three full-fledged sets: the library, Buffy’s bedroom, and the underground lair. All other scenes were filmed either outdoors or in rented spaces. But despite these modest conditions, the show managed to maintain its unique atmosphere.

9 (5).jpg @20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

The library, for example, became the center of the action, the place where plans were made, secrets were revealed, and some of the best jokes were delivered.

Due to Lack of Funds, Filming Took Place on an Actual Cemetery

To save money on sets, the first scenes of Buffy’s night hunts against vampires were filmed on an actual cemetery in Hollywood. This gave the footage a special eerie vibe but it wasn’t exactly convenient: nighttime shoots were tough, and running around real graves wasn’t exactly pleasant.

10 (2).jpg @20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Eventually, in the second season, the team found a simple but brilliant solution — they transformed a regular Fox Studios driveway into an improvised cemetery. A little fog, the right lighting, and a few fake tombstones — and it felt like Buffy was once again battling vampires in this creepy spot!

Buffy Could Have Been Completely Different!

Of course, the iconic locations of the series are fascinating but just as interesting is the story behind the casting. Even though, in the beginning, not many believed in the show’s success, the casting process wasn’t an easy one! Sarah Michelle Gellar wasn’t the only actress considered for the role of Buffy. Other well-known actresses, such as Reese Witherspoon, were also in the running.

11 (2).jpg @S. Granitz/WireImage

Producers seriously considered making Witherspoon the star of the show but the actress turned it down — at that time, she was already choosing more serious projects than a relatively unknown series. However, there was another star who later appeared in a supernatural series but not in Buffy! Who could that be?

Which Star of 'Charmed' Could Have Been Buffy?

Besides Witherspoon, producers also considered casting an actress who is now widely associated with another well-known supernatural series — Charmed! Any guesses? Alright, let’s not drag out the suspense — it was Alyssa Milano!

12 (4).jpg @CBS TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION/20TH CENTURY FOX

We think she could have fit perfectly into the show but she didn’t want to return to playing a teenage character — by that time, she already had a number of successful roles under her belt. How would Buffy have looked in their hands? That remains a mystery but we’re glad the choice landed on Sarah!

Sarah Michelle Gellar Could Have Played… Not Buffy?!

Today, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role of Buffy Summers but at first, Sarah Michelle Gellar actually auditioned for the role of Cordelia — the sharp-tongued beauty played by Charisma Carpenter.

13 (4).jpg @buffytvs_fun_tee/Instagram.com

However, after seeing Gellar’s audition, the producers decided that she was too strong and charismatic for the role of the high school “mean girl.” They offered her the part of Buffy instead — and this turned out to be a life-changing decision!

It Turned Out the Actresses Switched Roles!

Interestingly, Charisma Carpenter, on the other hand, initially auditioned for the role of Buffy but her portrayal came off as too "mature" and elegant for a high school vampire slayer.

@screenrant.com

In the end, her Cordelia became one of the show’s brightest characters, even though she didn’t play the lead role. Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle Gellar didn’t always have it easy on set…

Arguments on Set Over Jokes!

When we think of Buffy – The Vampire Slayer, one of the first things that comes to mind is her sharp wit. Whether she was battling vampires or just talking with her friends, she always found a way to insert a funny remark.

15 (5).jpg @Everett Collection

This style became an integral part of her character, and her sarcasm and humor made her character lively and appealing to the audience. But here’s something interesting: actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy, didn’t always understand the jokes written for her in the script or those said on set. So what was behind these misunderstandings?

An Unexpected Reason for Arguments

As it turns out, Sarah Michelle Gellar grew up in New York, where the communication style and humor were very different from those in California, where the show was filmed. What’s more, the actress didn’t fully understand California slang.

16 (4).jpg @the90smoviefox/Instagram.com

So, when colleagues on set, including Joss Whedon, would drop comments that were just part of light conversation, for Sarah, they sometimes seemed either strange or even offensive. This led to arguments on set. She couldn’t always tell when she should laugh and when a comment was meant to be taken seriously.

David Boreanaz Landed the Role... Thanks to His Dog?!

It was particularly challenging for the casting team to find the perfect love interest for Buffy (a role that ultimately went to David Boreanaz). His story of landing the part is truly a Hollywood script in itself — he wasn’t even looking for work, and everything was decided by a chance encounter!

17 (2).jpg @news.sky.com

One day, as a budding actor, Boreanaz was simply out walking his dog when his neighbor, who happened to know the casting director of the show, spotted him. And that’s when the real fun began!

Everything Happens for a Reason!

This neighbor mentioned to the casting director that Boreanaz would be perfect for the role of the mysterious vampire and invited him to audition. David decided to give it a shot and went to the casting call, where he instantly captivated the show's creators with his charm and... raspy voice.

18 (2).jpg @The WB Network

According to People, Joss Whedon recalled that the reaction from the team was instant — the moment Boreanaz walked in and started speaking, it was clear that he was the one. He didn’t even try to impress anyone — his natural charisma did all the work. Talk about being a natural “heartthrob”!

Later, Boreanaz Got His Own Show!

When Angel first appeared on Buffy, no one knew how popular he would become. But at some point, the character started to take on a life of his own. The audience grew to love him so much that the creators couldn’t let him go — that’s how the spin-off series Angel was born.

19 (1).jpg @movierewind.com

Thanks to that, Boreanaz not only solidified his place in Hollywood but also became one of the most recognizable television actors of the 2000s.

On-Screen Lovers and Off-Screen "Enemies"?

Although Boreanaz had won over the hearts of the production team, his on-screen romance with Buffy (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar) didn’t translate into a warm relationship behind the scenes.

20 (1).jpg @ew.com

Sarah and David, though professionals on set, didn’t always have the warmest off-screen chemistry. In fact, they even played little pranks on each other during filming!

A Unique Way of Revenge

According to E! News, there were plenty of tense moments between Gellar and Boreanaz on set. And to release that tension, they came up with a rather unusual way of doing so!

21 (1).jpg @people.com

One of the most amusing ways they decided to settle their disagreements was by… eating food with an awful smell. But why, you ask? You’ll be surprised!

Terrible Smell and... Taste!

The trick was that Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz would deliberately eat strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, or fish right before their kissing scenes!

22 (1).jpg @eonline.com

It was their own unique form of revenge! Imagine having to kiss your co-star, only to find that they had eaten something terribly unpleasant beforehand. As E! News reports, both actors admitted that it was not only funny but genuinely unpleasant, especially during moments when the kisses were supposed to be romantic and “beautiful.”

The Favorite Couple of Movie Lovers!

Despite their behind-the-scenes misunderstandings, Buffy and Angel had incredible chemistry on-screen. Their tragic love story, full of suffering, became one of the most memorable duos on TV during the ‘90s and 2000s. The passion and conflicts on-screen were fueled by the real emotions of the actors, who poured their hearts into their roles. Although, as TMZ reported, even the director of the show admitted that working with the actors was quite challenging.

23 (1).jpg @nostalgia/reddit.com

Joss Whedon often confessed that the kissing scenes were “particularly tense” because he was aware of the hidden rivalry between Gellar and Boreanaz. And, in general, the character of Angel became quite a challenge for both the director and others involved in the show...

Angel Was the Most Difficult Character for Writers

Unexpectedly, Angel turned out to be the most challenging character to write, as later confessed by the production team. According to TMZ, Joss Whedon admitted that making someone who was supposed to be perfect truly interesting was incredibly difficult.

24 (1).jpg @eonline.com

How do you create a character who is mysterious, noble, tragic, and still not boring? For the writers, it was a constant challenge.

Angelus – Pure Evil Was Much Easier to Write

If writing Angel was tough, writing his darker side, Angelus (the dark side of Angel, he was also played by David Boreanaz), was the complete opposite, according to Buffy's director Daily Mail. As Whedon explained, working on Angelus’ dialogue was surprisingly easy.

25 (1).jpg @King-David30/reddit.com

In one scene from the second season, when Angelus mocks Buffy after losing his soul, the director even confessed, “I really felt like a terrible person. I didn’t know how I could write this so easily.” Perhaps the darkness of Angelus is something that resides within many people...

Almost an Hour and a Half for Makeup!

Filming Buffy the Vampire Slayer wasn’t just about writing scripts—it was also a serious challenge for the makeup team. Keep in mind, the show was filmed over 20 years ago, long before modern special effects makeup techniques.

26 (1).jpg @Jerry Wolfe/20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection

The creators wanted vampires to look like regular people most of the time, with their monstrous nature only surfacing in specific moments. Transforming an actor into a terrifying bloodthirsty creature was no easy task—it took makeup artists about 1 hour and 20 minutes for each actor! And removing all that makeup? That was another test of patience.

Spike’s Hair Nightmare

If spending hours in a makeup chair wasn’t bad enough, one actor nearly ended up bald! Anyone who has ever bleached their hair knows how damaging it is. Now imagine doing it every eight days for six years straight!

27 (1).jpg @Jerry Wolfe/20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection

That was the reality for James Marsters, who played Spike. To maintain his iconic platinum blonde look, he had to endure this torturous process constantly. How his hair even survived is a mystery. And believe it or not, this wasn’t the only challenge he faced for the role!

A Tutor for... a British Accent?

The pain of constant hair bleaching wasn’t the end of Marsters’ struggles. According to the script, Spike had to speak with a British accent—except Marsters was American. At his audition, he originally spoke with a Texas accent but the producers decided Spike should be from London instead.

28 (1).jpg @Jerry Wolfe/20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection

That meant he had to quickly learn a proper British accent while also memorizing his lines. So while his co-stars were just rehearsing their dialogue, Marsters had double the workload—learning both his lines and a whole new way of speaking! Did they pay him extra for this? Probably not!

How to Make a Brand-New Coat Look Old? Run It Over with a Truck!

Spike’s signature black leather coat became one of the show’s most recognizable aesthetics. But here’s a fun fact—the coat cost $2,000! However, since it needed to look old and worn, the production team had to come up with a creative solution.

29 (1).jpg @buffy.fandom.com

Instead of just buying a second-hand coat, they ran the brand-new one over with a truck multiple times. Yep, that was their method of "aging" it. Apparently, no other technique came to mind...

Every Vampire Killed Cost $5,000

Once the show’s budget improved after the first season, the production team made some very questionable financial decisions. A $2,000 coat getting run over by a truck? That wasn’t even the most ridiculous expense! As fans remember, when Buffy killed vampires, they didn’t just drop dead—they dramatically turned to dust in a special effects sequence.

30 (1).jpg @screenrant.com

And that cool visual effect came at a cost—$5,000 per vampire. Considering how many vampires Buffy staked throughout the show, you can only imagine how much of the budget went into these flashy dusting scenes!

Buffy’s Family That Wasn’t Supposed to Exist

Not all unexpected expenses were for effects—some were for actors who weren’t even supposed to be in the show! Believe it or not, when Buffy the Vampire Slayer was first conceptualized, Buffy’s family didn’t exist in the script. The logic was simple: constantly explaining her bruises, late nights, and wooden stakes to her mom would be too complicated.

31 (2).jpg @screenrant.com

But later, Joss Whedon realized that something was missing. To make Buffy’s character more relatable, they introduced her mother, Joyce. Then, in Season 5, her younger sister Dawn was added. In the end, their stories became an essential part of the show, giving fans a deeper look at Buffy not just as a Slayer but as a daughter and a sister.

The Vampire Who Got a Second Chance (More Than Once!)

Buffy’s family wasn’t the only unplanned addition to the show—many characters were meant to leave much earlier than they actually did. Take Darla, for example. Originally, she was supposed to be killed off in the second episode. But the creators realized she had too much potential, especially in complicating Buffy and Angel’s already tense relationship.

32 (1).jpg @buffy.fandom.com

After all, Darla was the one who turned Angel into a ruthless killer. She knew him better than anyone, and her presence made their story even richer. So, instead of disappearing after two episodes, she stuck around—appearing in flashbacks and even getting resurrected in Angel.

Buffy’s Boyfriend Was Almost Cut from the Show!

It’s hard to imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer without Angel but believe it or not, he wasn’t meant to survive past Season 2! At first, his role was simple: a mysterious guy who appeared at the right moments, helped Buffy, and then vanished into the night. But something unexpected happened—the chemistry between David Boreanaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar was off the charts.

33 (1).jpg @buffy.fandom.com

The producers realized they had something special on their hands. Instead of cutting him from the show, they gave Angel a bigger storyline, which eventually led to his own spin-off. And that’s just one of the many times Buffy the Vampire Slayer took unexpected turns—often for the better!

Faith Stayed—and Became an Icon

Faith is the perfect example of an antagonist who’s just too good to write off. Originally, she was supposed to take her own life but her popularity changed everything. Eliza Dushku impressed fans so much that the producers extended her contract. Instead of a tragic ending, Faith went to prison and later returned in the final season as one of the key warriors in the fight against the First Evil.

34 (1).jpg @Buffvamporigfan/reddit.com

And it seems that keeping Faith in the show was the right call—after all, Dushku was so determined to be part of Buffy that she even took her own grandmother to court for it!

Buffy Filming Caused Family Drama!

It turns out that playing Faith led to real-life conflicts in Eliza Dushku’s family. She was raised in a very religious Mormon household, which meant she refused to do any explicit scenes.

35 (1).jpg @Buffvamporigfan/reddit.com

On top of that, she was only 17 during filming, so she needed her grandmother’s permission to work extra hours on set. But her grandmother refused. According to TMZ, Dushku had no choice but to take the matter to court—where she was granted permission to continue filming. Now that’s dedication to a role!

Sarah Michelle Gellar Knew About Buffy’s Future Three Years in Advance

While some things on Buffy happened spontaneously, others were planned long in advance! The show’s creators had already mapped out the arrival of Buffy’s sister long before Season 5.

36 (1).jpg @eonline.com

At the end of Season 3, there’s a dream sequence where Faith says a cryptic line: “Little Miss Muffet counting down from 7-3-0.” Sarah Michelle Gellar didn’t understand its meaning at the time, so she asked Joss Whedon. His answer shocked her!

It Was All Predetermined!

And what was Whedon’s response? “You’re going to have a sister named Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg). She’ll be a key part of the story.”

37 (1).jpg @buffy.fandom.com

This was a huge surprise, especially since Buffy had always been portrayed as an only child. But the idea was simple—give the heroine a deep emotional connection that wasn’t tied to romance.

Buffy Was Supposed to Die… Forever?

And speaking of Dawn—her existence almost erased Buffy from the show completely! Season 5 was a turning point, ending with Buffy sacrificing herself to save her sister. Originally, this was meant to be the show’s grand finale. Whedon wanted to wrap things up on a high note, delivering a powerful and emotional ending.

38 (3).jpg @screenrant.com

But then, UPN stepped in. The network was so eager to continue Buffy that they offered Whedon a massive deal to bring the show back. And so, Buffy was resurrected, and the series continued for two more seasons.

Season 6 Was Gellar’s Toughest Challenge

Buffy’s return from the dead led to the show’s darkest season yet. Even Sarah Michelle Gellar admitted that it was the hardest for her to film.

39 (1).jpg @screenrant.com

“It was tough because Buffy was doing things I never thought she would do. Sometimes, I felt like I didn’t recognize her. Joss and Marti [Noxon] had to talk me down more than once, explaining why her story was going in that direction,” E! News quoted her as saying.

Bullying on Set?!

It turns out that filming Buffy was difficult not just for its lead actress but for others as well. And the truth only came out years after the show had ended.

@Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

In 2021, multiple actresses—including Charisma Carpenter, Amber Benson, and Michelle Trachtenberg—publicly accused Joss Whedon of mistreatment and fostering a toxic work environment. Let’s dive into the details.

Charisma Carpenter’s Shocking Accusation

Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia, was the first to speak out. In a Twitter statement, she accused Whedon of “abusing his power” and creating a “hostile” workplace.

@llCharisma/x.com

According to Daily Mail, the actress revealed that working with him led to severe anxiety, isolation from her colleagues, and even long-term health issues. But the worst part? His behavior towards her during her pregnancy. Carpenter claimed that Whedon was cruel in both words and actions—and then simply wrote her out of the show entirely...

Michelle Trachtenberg About the Strange Rules on Set

The next actress to hint at problems on set was Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy’s younger sister, Dawn. She didn’t go into details but revealed that there was an unspoken rule on set—Whedon was not allowed to be alone with her.

@Giovanni Rufino/The CW

Although Trachtenberg never disclosed what exactly happened, her words sparked intense discussions among fans. Especially after she posted on Instagram: “Now, at 35, I am brave enough to talk about it. Because this must be known.” It’s unsettling to imagine what might be hidden behind such cryptic confessions—especially since, sadly, Trachtenberg has now passed away.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Comments Honestly!

As the accusations gained momentum, lead actress Sarah Michelle Gellar also stepped in. She posted on Instagram: “I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers but I don’t want to be forever associated with Joss Whedon’s name.”

@sarahmgellar/Instagram.com

Her words made it clear—Gellar was not indifferent to the issue and stood in solidarity with her colleagues.

Joss Whedon Denied Everything!

After facing a wave of criticism, Whedon responded with a public statement, the details of which were reported by Daily Mail. He completely denied all allegations, calling them “misconstrued” and “greatly exaggerated.”

@Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Nevertheless, the damage to his reputation was undeniable. Once regarded as a top-tier director, Whedon now finds himself at the center of controversy more often than praise. No matter where the truth lies, the stories shared by Buffy’s actresses have made many question what the atmosphere behind the scenes of the cult show was really like…

The Cast Began to Fall Apart

In the end, the cast of Buffy gradually started to fall apart. We don’t know whether it was due to the on-set toxicity mentioned by some actors or simple burnout. The first to leave was Michelle Trachtenberg. In an Entertainment Weekly interview, she admitted, “I found TV to be pretty suffocating, especially Buffy.”

45 (7).jpg @Educational_Cow111/reddit.com

Then came the moment that made continuing Buffy seem impossible—its lead actress, Sarah Michelle Gellar, announced her departure. But why did she make that decision?

The Cast Learned About the Show’s End... From a Magazine Cover!

It turns out that almost the only person who knew about Buffy’s finale was Sarah Michelle Gellar herself (which makes sense since she was the one who decided to leave the project). On March 7, 2003, the cover of Entertainment Weekly featured Gellar’s announcement that Buffy the Vampire Slayer would conclude after seven seasons. “I love this job and the fans,” she said. “I love the stories we tell. But I need a break. Teachers get sabbaticals but actors don’t.”

46 (1).jpg @ebay.com

This statement came as a shock to her co-stars, who found out about the show’s ending at the same time as the press. “I was devastated,” admitted Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow, in a 2013 interview. “It was a shock.”

Why Couldn’t the Crew Find a Way to Continue Buffy?

As you may have gathered, the show’s closure was tied to Gellar’s desire to focus on a film career. But the series wasn’t immediately abandoned—there were attempts to continue Buffy without her.

@Educational_Cow111/reddit.com

Several options were considered, including spin-offs, reboots, and even a continuation without the main character. However, the producers couldn’t find a way to make it work organically.

Buffy Had a Major Impact on TV Production

Buffy became a cult classic, inspiring a wave of supernatural shows. Its success influenced many projects, including The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, and True Blood.

48 (2).jpg @buffy/reddit.com

The balance between horror, drama, and humor made Buffy a genre-defining series that continues to inspire writers and directors. And it seems like fans of such shows will never get tired of them!

Buffy’s Return – What Do We Know?

Almost 30 years after the show’s conclusion, news emerged about a new project set in the Buffy universe. According to Deadline and Variety, Sarah Michelle Gellar will reprise her role—so fans, rejoice! However, there’s a catch…

49 (1).jpg @thelegacyofnerd/Instagram.com

The actress will return as a supporting character, as the new show will focus on a different Slayer. And what about Joss Whedon, who was accused of toxicity? Are the actors really willing to work with him again?

And Finally – Who Will Direct?

Not only will the show have a new protagonist but also new crew members! The pilot episode will be directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao, with the script written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman.

50 (1).jpg @Far Out Cinema/facebook.com

The new project is expected to retain the essence of the original Buffy while offering a fresh take on its universe. We’ll be eagerly awaiting more details and the sequel’s release!

#Actor

Stars' Spoiled Kids Smear Caviar on Face — and Have No Limits!

Buffy Returns After Almost 30 Years — But Not How You’d Expect!

Tags