The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot pilot at Hulu has found its new slayer — Ryan Kiera Armstrong.
Armstrong has been cast in a lead role in the pilot opposite returning star Sarah Michelle Gellar. The pilot was originally announced at Hulu back in February. Exact plot details are under wraps, but sources previously said the pilot will focus on a new slayer with Gellar appearing in a recurring role as Buffy.
“From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side,” Gellar said. “To have that kind of emotional intelligence , and talent, at such a young age is truly gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room.”
Gellar also shared a video on Instagram in which she tells Armstrong she got the role, which can be seen below.
Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman are attached to write, showrun, and executive produce. Chloé Zhao is attached to direct and executive produce under her Book of Shadows production banner. Gellar executive produces along with Gail Berman. Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui will executive produce via Suite B, while Dolly Parton will executive produce via Sandollar. 20th Television and Searchlight Television will produce. Berman, the Kuzuis, and Parton were all executive producers on the original “Buffy” series.
“We are so overjoyed to have found this generation’s slayer in Ryan Kiera Armstrong, she absolutely blew us away — there is no question in our mind that she is the chosen one,” the Zuckermans said.
Armstrong most recently appeared in the Disney+ “Star Wars” series “Skeleton Crew.” Her other TV credits include “Anne with an E” at Netflix, “American Horror Story,” and the upcoming FX series “The Lowdown.” In film, she led the “Firestarter” reboot opposite Zac Efron and has also starred in big budget films like “The Tomorrow War” and Marvel’s “Black Widow.” She first broke out in the feature adaptation of “The Art of Racing in the Rain.”
Armstrong is repped by Linden Entertainment and Innovative Artist Group.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” originated as a film starring Kristy Swanson in the title role. Whedon wrote the film with Fran Kuzui directing. It was released in 1992. Five years later, the series version starring Gellar debuted on The WB. It would air on The WB for its first five seasons before airing its final two seasons on UPN. The cast also included Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, and James Marsters among others. Boreanaz would then head up the spinoff series “Angel” at The WB for five seasons.
