James Marsters Breaks Silence on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot: “I Think the World Needs Her”

During a recent Instagram livestream autograph signing, James Marsters provided his first comments on Hulu’s planned Buffy the Vampire Slayer continuation. The actor, who portrayed the vampire Spike throughout the original series run, commented on recent reports revealing Sarah Michelle Gellar would return as Buffy Summers alongside a new Slayer protagonist, with Oscar winner Chloé Zhao directing the pilot. Writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman will pen the series, working with original producers Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, and Dolly Parton to expand the supernatural universe that first captivated audiences in 1997. This new version represents the only successful attempt to continue the series since its conclusion in 2003, with previous efforts, including a 2018 reboot announcement, failing to materialize.

“It’s not a good thing for me to talk about the Buffy reboot,” Marsters explained during the livestream. “I’m sorry if you were coming here hoping for some news, but in the interest of having the project be the best it can be, it’s best that I keep my mouth shut right now, so I’m gonna do that,” he added. Despite his measured response, the actor expressed enthusiasm for the series’ return. “I think I’m like everybody. I’m very excited that we’re gonna learn more about the journey of Buffy Summers and how she saves the world because I think the world needs her. So I’m gonna do my part by doing nothing right now.”

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The stream also prompted Marsters to share previously unknown details about his original casting as Spike, one of the show’s most enduring characters. “I got cast as Spike three days before filming, I was told later that they had been looking for someone for a long time, couldn’t find him, and they found me finally with only three days to go, so I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for Spike,” Marsters revealed. The actor then disclosed an unexpected influence on his iconic performance. “I just decided the first scene was me stalking Buffy in a club, and I decided to rip off Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner. He had a smooth way of talking, so I ripped off Rutger Hauer for that scene, just basically panicking.”

A New Era for Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer revolutionized television through its groundbreaking approach to genre storytelling. Created by Joss Whedon, the series earned critical acclaim for subverting horror tropes while tackling serious themes through supernatural metaphors. This innovative approach influenced countless series, from Supernatural to Legacies, establishing a template for combining genre elements with character-driven narratives. Marsters’ character Spike exemplified this sophisticated storytelling, transforming from a charismatic villain into a complex antihero whose journey spanned both Buffy and its spinoff series Angel.

The Hulu Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival distinguishes itself through Gellar’s active participation, a crucial element missing from previous attempts. The actress, who initially expressed reluctance about returning to the role, has now signed on as both star and executive producer, suggesting strong creative alignment with Zhao’s vision. The director, celebrated for both the intimate character study of Nomadland and the epic scope of Eternals, brings valuable experience in balancing personal drama with fantasy. 

The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel remain available on Hulu, allowing viewers to revisit the groundbreaking series that established the foundation for this ambitious new chapter in the Slayer’s story. Are you excited about the Hulu revival? Tell us in the comments!