Summary
- Major and minor characters from the original series should return for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, as they are beloved by the dedicated fandom.
- The complex legacy of the original series could be addressed in the reboot, while also bringing back popular characters in a meaningful way.
Though the series is indefinitely on hold, many major and minor characters would need to return for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. In the 25 years since its first release, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has maintained a dedicated fandom that rewatches the show frequently. In July 2018, The Hollywood Reporter shared that Fox 21 TV Studios, now owned by Disney, planned to reboot the late-'90s teen fantasy with Joss Whedon returning as an executive producer and writer.
The original show followed a Slayer named Buffy Summers who fought off demons and vampires in her hometown of Sunnydale with the help of her friends, affectionately nicknamed the Scooby gang. In the years since the reboot's announcement, the project has stalled due to a number of factors, most notably the multiple allegations against Joss Whedon. Though it may be a while before the show starts production, Buffy's reboot could address the original's complex legacy, while bringing back the popular characters in a meaningful way.
14 Tara Maclay
As one of the best Buffyverse characters, Tara Maclay must appear in a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. While the show first defined Tara through her relationship with Willow, she quickly came into her own as a witch and a lovable person. Despite her traumatic and loveless upbringing, Tara constantly protected her loved ones and expressed comion. Even when she cast the spell on the others with negative results, she had good intentions. Her role balanced out all the morally dubious characters in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Considering all these factors, Tara needs to play a major role if the show gets a reboot.
13 Mr. Trick
Mr. Trick was a fascinating character with massive potential that Buffy the Vampire Slayer underutilized. Though he only appeared in five episodes, this character is ed as the technophile vampire who didn’t enjoy performing murders - preferring to use mind games to force others to kill on his behalf. Mr. Trick, unfortunately, died to propel Faith’s character forward. By expanding Mr. Trick in a reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the showrunners could start to improve the problem with characters of color in the Buffyverse and explore this underappreciated character.
12 Lissa
While she only appears in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 7, episode 16, “First Date,” Lissa should play a bigger role in a Buffy reboot. This powerful demon worked with The First, one of the most significant villains of the Buffyverse. Lissa was funny, offering great banter with her love interest Xander. Leaning into the running gag, this demon showed that Xander did attract evil women. In a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, Lissa would be a great enemy-turned-lover, becoming a member of the Scooby gang. Ultimately, she could Angel and Spike as a bad guy turned ally.
11 Xander Harris
During Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xander Harris was the everyman character who represented the audience. The character was largely unremarkable in comparison to the other of the Scooby gang, but he still wanted to help fight off evil. Playing opposite multiple brooding characters, Xander was funny, geeky, and lighthearted. Considering his important role in the group and appearance in every episode, Xander needs to appear in any Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
10 Cordelia Chase
Though she started out as a mean girl at Sunnydale High School, Cordelia Chase won the hearts of many Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans, proving her invaluable to a potential reboot. Cordelia kept her sharp wit throughout both Buffy and Angel, she also developed empathy for the people around her. Over the course of the series, she develops an on-again, off-again relationship with Xander. Despite this, she maintained her autonomy and independence - traits that made her a great role model for young girls watching the show. Ultimately, a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot would benefit from Cordelia’s presence.
9 Lorne
Though he technically only appears in the spin-off, Angel, a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot would benefit from incorporating Lorne from the Buffyverse. Lorne was an empathic, warm, and peaceful demon who wanted nothing more than to run his karaoke bar. He served as a comic relief due to his idiosyncrasies, but they also developed him as unique from other of Angel Investigations - the detective agency in Angel. Lorne could play an equally interesting role in the Scooby gang if Buffy the Vampire Slayer got a reboot.
8 Dawn Summers
Due to her status as one of the most hated characters, many people wouldn’t think of Dawn as a character to bring into a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. There’s merit to the argument that Dawn acted immature and annoying; however, she was a young teenager. Additionally, Dawn played an important role in Buffy Summers’ development as a character. Dawn forced Buffy to evaluate her role as a family member, rather than a friend or girlfriend. Ultimately, Dawn made Buffy the Vampire Slayer better, and she could be shaped into a more likable character in a reboot.
7 Darla
If Angel shows up as a character in a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot - as he must - Darla should also play a role. Darla was the vampire who sired Angelus, spending a significant amount of time together before Angel changed his name and ed the Scooby gang. Angel’s background helped shape him and make him more sympathetic. Ultimately, without Darla, there would be no Angel. This makes her crucial to any future Buffyverse projects that involve Angel, especially a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
6 Rupert Giles
During Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Rupert Giles served as a mentor and Watcher to Buffy Summers. He trained her as a slayer, giving her the skills she needed to take down vampires. Whenever she and the Scooby gang had questions about magic, he stepped in with his nearly encyclopedic knowledge base. Additionally, Giles served as a father figure to Buffy whole father rarely appeared in the show. In these ways, Rupert Giles is integral to the show. This character should serve just as big of a role in a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
5 Dracula
Dracula was one of the best characters to appear in only one episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The original series needed the iconic vampire, and he would need to appear in a reboot too. On top of being the best-known vampire in literary and cinematic history, Dracula acted hilariously similar to Angel in Buffy. As such, it provided a mirror for Buffy viewers to re-evaluate the main character they loved. This would make Dracula an excellent addition for at least a one-off role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.