Unveiling the Shocking Omissions: 6 Key Characters & Actors Absent from Buffy The Vampire Slayer's Highly Anticipated Sequel
Fans will be disappointed to discover that six beloved characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer won't be making an appearance in the highly anticipated sequel Buffy, Dawn, Willow, Xander, Angel, and Andrew will be sorely missed in the new series
Summary
Sarah Michelle Gellar's absence from Slayers: A Buffyverse Story is disappointing for fans who hoped to hear her voice Buffy again.
Michelle Trachtenberg, who played the character Dawn in the audio series, will not be returning. This is likely due to her character's connection to Buffy and the alternate reality storyline. The absence of Alyson Hannigan as Willow is also disappointing, but the inclusion of Amber Benson as Tara suggests that there may be a mention of Willow in the audio series.
A special project is being created, bringing together the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer 20 years after the show's finale. Though some of the original stars will not be returning, Audible, an audiobook and podcast service, has announced that it will be producing a Buffy sequel series titled Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. The series will focus on Spike, portrayed by James Marsters, and will be set in the present day. Spike will be going undercover in Los Angeles to convince wrongdoers that he is once again on their side. The series will also explore parallel realities, introduce a new protégé, and reconnect with old friends.
Throughout the seven seasons of the supernatural drama television show on The WB, the main cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer underwent various changes. However, the core characters of Buffy Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Xander Harris, played by Nicholas Brendon, and Willow Rosenberg, portrayed by Alyson Hannigan, remained constant. In Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, James Marsters will reprise his role as Spike, joined by Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase, Anthony Head as Rupert Giles, Juliet Landau as Drusilla, Emma Caulfield Ford as Anya Jenkins, Amber Benson as Tara Maclay, James Charles Leary as Clem, and Danny Strong as Jonathan Levinson.
6 Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar)
Buffy Summers herself, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, is noticeably absent from Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, making it a disappointment for fans. Gellar played the iconic vampire Slayer in all 144 episodes of the supernatural TV show, so it's understandable that fans would be thrilled to witness her portrayal of Buffy again. Sadly, the actress will not be voicing Buffy in the upcoming Audible series.
Gellar will not be revisiting her iconic role in Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, and the show's premise offers an explanation for her absence. The storyline follows Spike, Buffy's ex-boyfriend, who encounters a Slayer from an alternate reality where Buffy never existed while he is undercover in Los Angeles. Therefore, Gellar's involvement in the upcoming sequel series is not possible. Nevertheless, there remains hope that she may reprise her role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer in a future project.
5 Dawn Summers (Michelle Trachtenberg)
Dawn Summers, played by Michelle Trachtenberg, was introduced to viewers in the season 5 premiere of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She continued to appear in every episode until the series finale in season 7. Despite being Buffy's younger sister, it took the writers five seasons to bring Dawn into the show, which initially confused some fans. However, once she arrived, it felt like she had always been a part of the story. As the series progressed, the reason for Dawn's sudden presence in Buffy's life became clearer, and her journey into adulthood became one of the most intricate storylines of the entire show.
In the audio series Slayers: A Buffyverse Story on Audible, Michelle Trachtenberg will not reprise her role as Dawn. This absence is not entirely unexpected, considering Dawn's close connection to Buffy and the show's emphasis on a reality where Buffy does not exist. While there is a chance that Trachtenberg or any other actors could make a surprise appearance in Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, fans will need to wait for the show's premiere on October 12, 2023, to find out.
4 Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan)
Apart from Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan is the sole actor from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to appear in all 144 episodes of the show. Hannigan portrayed Willow Rosenberg, Buffy's best friend and a key member of the affectionately named Scooby Gang, thanks to her magical abilities. Willow quickly became a beloved character among the audience as the series progressed. While Willow remains one of Hannigan's most memorable roles, it seems unlikely that she will reprise it anytime soon.
Surprisingly, Hannigan's name is absent from the cast list for Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. Although Tara Maclay, Willow's deceased girlfriend played by Amber Benson, is set to make a comeback in the audio series, there is no mention of Willow's involvement. It is disappointing that Willow, who played a significant role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, will not be present in the sequel. However, with Benson's participation, there might be some acknowledgment or reference to Willow in the audio series.
3 Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon)
Xander Harris, portrayed by Nicholas Brendon, is undeniably one of the most polarizing figures in the popular TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that he is not featured in Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. Additionally, Brendon, facing personal challenges, has chosen to step away from the limelight, abstaining from participating in any recent movies or television projects. Nevertheless, throughout the show's seven-season run, Xander played an indispensable role, missing just one episode. However, the Audible series will have to navigate its way through the absence of Brendon's beloved character, the endearing geek who was an integral part of the Scooby Gang, Buffy's closest circle of friends.
2 Angel (David Boreanaz)
David Boreanaz portrayed the character of Angel, a vampire who had lived for centuries, in a total of 57 episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on The WB. Initially, he appeared as a recurring character in the first season but was subsequently promoted to a series regular starting from season 2. After season 3, Boreanaz departed from the show as his character received a spinoff series named Angel. While Angel gained immense popularity, Boreanaz will not be reprising his role in Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.
1 Andrew Wells (Tom Lenk)
Boreanaz's previous statements expressing his lack of interest in reprising his role as Angel in any capacity, including audio series, make it unsurprising that he is not listed in the cast of Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. However, fans can still cling to hope that one day Boreanaz may have a change of heart. In the meantime, the actor remains occupied with his other projects, keeping his schedule full.
While Tom Lenk did not attain series regular status in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he still played a crucial role in the show. Lenk portrayed Andrew Wells, a member of the nefarious group known as The Trio, and he was introduced during the sixth season. Despite Danny Strong reprising his character Jonathan Levinson in Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, it is somewhat surprising that Andrew will not be featured in the audio series as well. It is possible that including Andrew in the story did not align with the narrative, or it could be that the actor who formerly portrayed Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Andrew was unavailable for participation.
