Spike actor James Marsters praised if Marsters will appear in the Buffy reboot, Gellar will return as Buffy in a recurring role.
Recently at Nightmare Weekend Chicago, James Marsters opened up about the original Buffy's grueling filming hours, and how Sarah Michelle Gellar was a consummate professional. He said that Gellar was always on set, on time with a good attitude, ready to work, and that this inspired him and the other cast to also deliver their best work. Marsters also revealed that Gellar was appreciative of his strong work ethic, too, and that's why they worked so well together. The actor's kind words also prompted an emotional response from Gellar herself. Check out his comments and her reaction below:
Marsters: If anyone but Sarah Michelle Gellar had played Buffy, we never would have made seven seasons. It would've collapsed because we worked up to 20 hours a day, which is unheard of, like almost every show will film 12 hours a day, because after 12 hours, you have to pay the crew double. So they don't want to do that. Buffy had enough money, and we were doing a very complicated show, so we were doing 16, 18, and often 20-hour days. Sarah was in almost every scene. Like, I was in about a quarter of the scenes, and I felt like they burnt me to ash.
Sarah was always on time, she always had a great attitude, she always knew her lines perfectly, she always met her marks, she was a monster. If I had been Buffy, I'd have had a nervous breakdown under that workload and the pressure. She just bore it all effortlessly. And I think that she appreciated that I always knew my lines, too, frankly. You know, like she was always on her game, and I was always on mine, and so we just kinda met in the middle of that. That was the first thing, it's like, 'Oh good, we're gonna be okay. I don't have to work too hard because we're gonna get it done together.'
When you're not making it too hard for yourself and you're prepared, you can have fun, basically. So that helped a lot too. And she's just also, she's an amazing person. So like, we always got along really well, and I think that that translates. Yeah.
What This Means For James Marsters & The Buffy Reboot
Marsters Has Been Cryptic About Any Involvement
James Marsters' glowing praise for Sarah Michelle Gellar will likely serve to fuel discussions on whether Spike will be in the Buffy reboot. After all, if the actor loved working with Gellar so much the first time, it seems obvious that he'd do it again. However, Marsters has also previously said that, "It's best if I keep my mouth shut," with regards to the reboot, wanting people to instead focus on Buffy Summers' continuing journey "because I think the world needs it," essentially doubling down on his of Gellar and the famous heroine she brought to life.
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It's also difficult to read too much into Gellar's heartfelt response to Marsters' praise — even though she was "#crying", it's not an indication of whether Marsters will reprise his role as Spike. Many of the Buffy cast have remained close since the show wrapped, often appearing at conventions together. Gellar and Willow actress Alyson Hannigan even gave a t interview in which Gellar revealed that kids of original Buffy cast auditioned to be in the reboot. As for OG cast themselves returning, so far, Gellar is the only one confirmed.
Our Take On Marsters' Praise For Sarah Michelle Gellar
It Speaks To The Reboot's Potential Longevity
In addition to James Marsters' positive working relationship with Sarah Michelle Gellar, the actor clearly loves the Buffy universe. He reprised his role in the Buffy spinoff Angel, frequently appears at fan conventions, and had a lead role in the 2023 audiobook, Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. So, if he was asked to take part in the Buffy reboot, we're confident that Marsters said yes, but he clearly doesn't want the focus to be on Spike's potential return.
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His comments about Gellar's hard work on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer set aren't just sweet — they're indicative that the Buffy reboot could have a long, thriving future. Even though Buffy Summers will only be a recurring character (for now), Gellar's legacy will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the set, and inspire everyone involved with the reboot to put their best foot forward. Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the new vampire slayer has big shoes to fill, but we're confident in her ability, and with Gellar there ing her, it all speaks to the reboot being a huge hit.
Source: X
