10 Ways Buffy The Vampire Slayer Was Almost Totally Different
Buffy The Vampire Slayer would have been TOTALLY different without Angel!
It's 2021 and Buffy The Vampire Slayer is still one of the most talked about tv shows in history! Joss Whedon struck gold with the series and from the memorable characters to the vampire lore, the creator worked tirelessly to make sure the show was exactly right for the vision he had and for the expectations of the diehard fans.
It is because of his dedication to his craft that Buffy became the pop culture phenomena that it is, so it is hard to imagine the teen vampire drama being different in any way. However, because of Joss' careful and detailed world building, we almost got a completely different show on MANY occasions.
Any indecisive creative person could tell you how many "almosts" they've left on the cutting room floor only to regret later. So imagine what the creator of such a well loved show must think when looking back on show-altering storylines that would have sent fans into a frenzy.
From famous actors almost snagging roles in the lovable scooby gang to shocking ships that could have been, take a trip down memory lane and see how many of these surprising facts you know.
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?