The class at Sunnydale High — or rather a version like it — has been named today, as the first roll-out of names added to the upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer series has officially dropped. Joining the previously announced chosen one, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who will hold the title of slayer in the revamp, is a lineup of talent that includes Sarah Bock (Severance), Faly Rakotohavana (Unprisoned), Daniel Di Tomasso (CSI: Vegas), Jack Cutmore-Scott (Frasier), and Ava Jean (Law & Order: SVU). Should the pilot that’s headed for Hulu stick the landing (and we sure hope it does), audiences should prepare to see plenty of these faces as series regulars alongside Armstrong and the OG slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar, who reprises her role as Buffy Summers.
According to the early reports, Rakotohavana is on deck to appear as Hugo, a privileged and popular high schooler who has a zest for all things brainy — that last part is giving us major Willow (Alyson Hannigan) vibes. Then there’s Jean, who will appear as Larkin, a character described as a “chronic do-gooder,” while Bock will appear as Gracie, who finds herself seeking friendship and community as the leader of a group of friends from church. Di Tomasso will appear as the single father of Nova (Armstrong), who works as a photo journalist, with Scott playing a popular high school teacher named Mr. Burke.
Today’s casting announcement is an exciting step forward for the series that has been publicly percolating over the last few months that will see Gellar not only attached to return as Buffy Summers, but also joining as an executive producer. Just days ago, the beloved actress took to social media to share a snapshot of the first table read, so we can expect updates like this one to become more regular as the days go on. However, we’re still waiting to find out whether Gellar will bring along familiar faces from the original series, though our hopes are high as she’s made various statements insinuating such.
What We Know About the ‘Buffy’ Reboot
For now, we know that Armstrong will step into the position of power as a high school student named Nova who discovers that she’s the chosen one. As of right now, a specific title hasn’t been revealed, but when it comes to light, a huge piece of the puzzle will snap into place. Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao is helming the pilot, which is set to land on Hulu, with Nora and Lilla Zuckerman penning the script.
via Collider