"In every epoch, a guardian is destined to rise," whispers the opening monologue in the initial chapters of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' In this contemporary chapter, and in Hulu's ambitious reboot pilot of the iconic series, that destined guardian is none other than Ryan Kiera Armstrong, the talented actress best known for her role in 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.'
Armstrong has been bestowed the lead role in this pilot, reuniting Sarah Michelle Gellar in her iconic skin as Buffy Summers. Gellar, who also wears the hat of an executive producer, shared a heartwarming Instagram video on Thursday, revealing the thrilling news to Armstrong. "From the instant I laid eyes on Ryan's audition, I knew she was the sole companion I sought," Gellar expressed in a statement. "To possess such profound emotional wisdom and extraordinary talent at such a tender age is a veritable blessing. An added charm is her smile, capable of illuminating even the deepest shadows."
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, the scriptwriters and executive producers, echoed their joy, stating, "We are absolutely ecstatic to have discovered this generation's slayer in Ryan Kiera Armstrong. She astounded us beyond measure – there's no ambiguity in our minds; she is the chosen one."
In February, Hulu greenlit the pilot, affectionately referred to as the "Untitled Buffyverse Pilot." The series stems from 20th Television and Searchlight TV, with the Zuckerman sisters (renowned for 'Poker Face' and 'Fringe') penning the script and Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao ('Nomadland') helming the director's chair and executive producing.
While Armstrong will embark on a fresh slayer's journey, the specifics of her role, and the show's plot, remain shrouded in secrecy. It's noteworthy that 'Buffy's' final season in 2002-03 disbanded the notion of a solitary slayer, introducing a multitude of potential slayers as the show's climactic conclusion.
In the Instagram video, Gellar might have inadvertently disclosed a snippet of information, welcoming her new co-star with, "Welcome to New Sunnydale." The town that served as the backdrop for most of the original series was devastated in the series finale, leaving a colossal crater behind. The mention of "New Sunnydale" hints at a revitalized city rising from the ashes.
Armstrong previously shone as Fern, the leader of a group of kids embarked on an unintended galactic escapade in 'Skeleton Crew.' Her resume boasts credits in the tenth season of FX's 'American Horror Story,' Netflix's 'Anne With an E,' and feature films such as 'The Tomorrow War' and 'It: Chapter Two.' She is represented by Linden Entertainment and Innovative Artist Group.
Alongside Zhao, Gellar, and the Zuckerman sisters, Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui of Suite B, and Dolly Parton of Sandollar Productions also executive produce the 'Buffy' pilot. Berman, the Kuzuis, and Parton (albeit uncredited) were integral to the original series' legacy.
