This weekend brought the shocking news that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was being rebooted, with original creator Joss Whedon on hand to executive produce. The internet seems to be in two minds about the revival of the classic supernatural drama, with some happy to see the feminist icon making a return while others wish TV networks would just come up with original ideas.
One person who’s having these conflicting feelings is Stranger Things actress Shannon Purser. She took to Twitter recently to make it known that, though she admits “reboots are a tricky business,” she’d “love love love” to play Willow Rosenberg, Buffy’s best friend, in the revival.
Buffy lovers will know that Willow was one of the core four main characters of the show. At first, she was a shy, nerdy high school student but over time she grew into a powerful witch, as well as coming out and embracing her sexuality. Seeing as Purser’s most known for playing another nerdy best friend that fans went crazy for in a supernatural drama, you can see exactly how she would be a great fit for a recast Willow. The similarities between Ms. Rosenberg and Stranger Things‘ ill-fated Barb are pretty obvious.
Unfortunately, it’s not entirely clear at present which direction the reboot will go in. All we really know for sure so far is that the showrunner will be Monica Owusu-Breen and that the new lead slayer will be played by an African American actress. It’s possible this character will be a new version of Buffy, too. Or maybe they’ll be an entirely different slayer living in the same world as the original series?
Given this, a fan responded to Purser’s Tweet saying that they’d prefer it if the reboot was a continuation rather than a remake. The actress replied back to them stating that that she’d be “totally down for that too.” So, Whedon and Owusu-Breen, if you’re listening, make note that Purser’s up for a job whatever the case.
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot’s reportedly in the earliest stages of development without even a script written yet, so it’s clear that there’s still room for the concept to change as the project continues to grow. It’s expected to be pitched to various streaming and cable networks this summer, and as soon as we have more info on it, we’ll be sure to let you know.
