Sarah Michelle Gellar thinks that Zendaya should lead a reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Gellar played the titular character in the seminal teen drama, which has been a frequent topic for reboots and continuations ever since the show ended in 2003. A few years after the final episode of Buffy aired, there was talk of whether Gellar would reprise her role for a feature film. Later, in 2010, there were again attempts to revive the franchise. But the closest fans have come to seeing an update of Buffy was in 2018, when it was announced that Monica Owusu-Breen would serve as showrunner on a project that would follow a new slayer rather than recast the role Gellar made famous.
The planned television series stalled, with no casting reports following the initial announcement. And given the abuse allegations surrounding Buffy creator Joss Whedon, it’s unlikely major studio executives would want to revisit the universe he spearheaded. Fans are understandably still convinced that, in an era of constant reboots, remakes, and revivals, it’s only a matter of time before another effort is made to resurrect Buffy. Gellar seems to think so as well, even offering a suggestion for who should be the new protagonist.
Interviewed for the new book Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts, Gellar was asked by author Evan Ross Katz about the constant reboot talk. The actress said she would support a reboot if it happened, explaining that the ending to the original series left the door open for exploration of other slayers. As for who should occupy that role? “I vote Zendaya,” Gellar replied. Julie Benz, who played Darla on Buffy and its spinoff Angel, gasped upon hearing the suggestion. “That would be amazing,” Benz agreed.
It’s not surprising that Zendaya is essentially getting ringing endorsements from her fellow actors. She’d previously received the thumbs up from Vivica A. Fox to star in a Kill Bill sequel. In addition to breaking hearts as Rue Bennett on the HBO series Euphoria, where she frequently delivers gut-wrenching performances, Zendaya has shined in many of her roles. She became a big topic of discussion coming out of Dune, despite only being on camera for seven minutes. And, as Michelle Jones in the Spider-Man movies, Zendaya has managed to do something memorable with the often thankless part of a Marvel love interest. She’s also been praised for her headlining turn in Malcolm & Marie, even though the Sam Levinson film has been divisive otherwise.
It’s perhaps because of these accolades, and particularly the Emmy-winning work on Euphoria, that Zendaya wouldn’t be the best option for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. It could be better for such a plum gig to go to a relatively unknown performer, who arrives to audiences without any previous associations. But, in terms of audience interest, and just in terms of standing out from the original, Zendaya is certainly an awesome choice.
Source: Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts