10 Ways Buffy The Vampire Slayer Was Almost Totally Different

10. The Cast Was Almost Completely Different In Several Ways

The lovable scooby gang seems completely irreplaceable for any fan of Buffy. Sarah Michelle Gellar's loveable and sarcastic vampire hunter is the heart of the show and it's hard to imagine anyone playing her with as much complexity as Gellar, but that was almost the case.

Many famous actresses were in the running for the titular role of Buffy including her Cruel Intentions co-star Selma Blair and Dawson Creek actress Katie Holmes. But the role was offered to Natasha Lyonne, who was just gaining widespread recognition from her role in the film Everyone Says I Love You, but the actress turned it down. And thank god she did.

The role of Buffy Summers almost went to another familiar lady: Charisma Carpenter. Charisma auditioned for the role of Buffy but was ultimately cast as the school mean girl Cordelia Chase, which is funny considering Gellar auditioned, and had her heart set on, Cordelia. It was Gellar's abilities in martial arts, along with her acting chops, that ended up procuring her the role of a lifetime.

Another beloved member of the scooby gang that was offered to a different actor was nerdy goofball Xander. The part was originally offered to a little known actor that you probably have never heard of: Ryan Reynolds. I wonder what that kid's up to nowadays?