Any new news on the reboot since the passing of MT?

[Moptop]

I was just curious if anyone has heard anything more about the reboot progress with the passing of "Dawn", how that would affect whether they would proceed with reviving the show! Perhaps they could follow the comic book series story of Xander and Dawn getting married and moving away somewhere and having a normal life. That could be one way to justify why not having Nicholas Brenden be a part of it. I've heard murmurings that he wouldn't be asked to return because of some legal issues but I haven't heard what those issues are.

Just a thought....as my wife would say!

 

[Kendar]

There's also the issue of his physical health. He now has heart and mobility problems after a heart attack in 2022 and spinal surgery in 2021. As reasons go, that doesn't hold a candle to the ones NileQT87 provided, but even if there weren't the legal issues his health might not allow it.

 

[AlphaFoxtrot]

To clarify, you don't need excuses to keep Nicky out of the show, you need an excuse to keep Xander out. If you have a good Xander and Dawn story, recast them. If not, use visual storytelling to establish their fates and relationship status.

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

I did see somewhere on Instagram that Michelle was in talks to be involved, which I didn't know, but have not seen anything beyond that.

 

[NileQT87]

I think I'd prefer them to be written out as more soldiers down (Dawn at the very least). And if anyone from AtS appears, perhaps acknowledgment that Lorne didn't merely walk away either.

I think it could be a unifying theme that sets up the mindsets of the legacy characters when they're reintroduced.

I very strongly don't want to see Xander and Dawn written out by having them off married somewhere. While there's a degree of that being what I know about Nick coloring my view of Xander, it always felt slightly icky in the comics (worse because Nick was involved in writing them), especially after all those years of him holding an unrequited candle for Buffy. I also believe Michelle deserves a stronger acknowledgment within the narrative that very much informs the mindset, particularly regarding Buffy's personal family life, that the show opens with.

It's sort of like how Doyle was written out (for Glenn's drug issues that eventually killed him), but the honoring of his character's impact on the show despite only nine episodes was profound because of the visions storyline. He wasn't simply forgotten within the show's narrative. It's also an example of writing out a character whose actor was self-destructive (though considerably more beloved and warmly remembered amongst his cast mates), not merely tragically unfortunate.

I really think Buffy needs to have some of kind of new family structure around her after losing Joyce and probably Dawn. It would also connect her so much more strongly to the new generation if she is mother to someone the same age as the new Slayer protagonist. During the final seasons of the show, Dawn also became a reminder that Buffy had once been a teenager when she was called. I think it would make Buffy's mother/mentor relationship to the new cast just a little more personal.

It seems that a number of actors have definitely been contacted (including Michelle), but aren't allowed to say anything. James and some others have hinted as much. David went as far as to coyly question what Angel would be up to today and the idea of revisiting the Buffyverse all the way back in an August 2024 interview, despite acting like he wasn't involved when he wished SMG luck.

 

[DagonSphere]

I mean, Michelle died less than two weeks ago. The Buffy reboot and what Michelle's death means for it is therefore probably not on the minds of the people involved. We have to remember that the reboot was still in the very early stages, not even ordered to pilot yet. Even SMG said that the announcement was far too early.

Personally, I am not even sure if they need to mention other OG characters or have them appear. From what we know, it's a show about a new slayer with Buffy in a recurring capacity. This show will not be Buffy 2.0, where the gang reunites to fight a new supernatural threat. It's going to be its own thing with its own characters and Buffy added as a bonus to give it legs. Therefore, any additional cast member will be a fun bonus for fans, but its main focus should be on establishing its own characters and Scooby Gang and expanding on the lore of the original series.

If the rumours are true and the Buffy in the series will be a little bit embittered due to what she had to give up, then some of the characters like Dawn and Xander might have died in the years between the series finale and now.

 

[AlphaFoxtrot]

To go back to visual storytelling, I would show one or two photos of their wedding in the background of Buffy's home, then photos that suggested that one or two passed, with a passing reference that Joyce is living with her grandfather in Spain. In just a few deep fakes, you tell the audience they had a happy life together, something happened to them that will be explained when the writers get to it, that they have a daughter who may appear in future episodes, and that Buffy reconciled off screen with Hank at some point in the last 20 years.

Also, Michele made Eurotrip in 2004. When she was the same age as Eliza was in Season 3. I get not wanting to sexualize show age Dawn/Michelle, I really do. But by the time those comics were written, MT was too old to be in Cruel Intentions.

 

[Anyanka Bunny Slayer]

To clarify, you don't need excuses to keep Nicky out of the show, you need an excuse to keep Xander out. If you have a good Xander and Dawn story, recast them.

If there's a reboot, Nicky's twin brother could play Xander.

 

[Kendar]

Kelly (the brother) does not seem to have had much of a career. 5 episodes of one show, TWO appearances on Buffy (in addition to The Replacement he apparently also filled in on "Intervention" when Nicholas was ill), two extra roles, and a small role in Roads to Riches. One of the extra roles was in 2013, and his last role before that was in 2002.

So he's either never really gone into it, or tried and for whatever reason hasn't met with much success. So I think NileQT87 is correct. IF they used him it's likely be a 3-4 minute flashback.

 

[DagonSphere]

If there's a reboot, Nicky's twin brother could play Xander.

I know many fans have suggested this, but in my opinion, it's in poor taste.

Can we talk about how insensitive and dismissive it is to even suggest Kelly replacing him, even if Nick Brendon is unlikely to participate due to his troubled legal history and health issues? This suggestion dismisses both of them as individuals and implies they are interchangeable, completely invalidating Nick’s contribution to the series—regardless of one’s feelings about Xander or Nicholas Brendon.

The idea that Kelly could simply step into Nick’s shoes because they are twins is problematic because it oversimplifies the situation. While they may share physical traits, they are distinct individuals with different personalities, acting styles, and life experiences. Kelly is not Nick, and it’s unfair to assume that their shared genetics would allow Kelly to replicate Nick’s portrayal of Xander, particularly given the emotional depth and nuance Nick brought to the role.

Moreover, this doesn’t consider the emotional turmoil this could cause for both brothers. Asking Kelly to step in for Nick, given Nick’s personal history and struggles, could have a significant emotional impact on both of them. It might feel as though Kelly is not only taking on a role, but also an emotional burden that could be hard to bear. The idea of one brother stepping into the other’s shoes in such a public and iconic way could also be uncomfortable, potentially leading to a strained and fraught relationship between them.

While it's true that Nick Brendon has faced challenges, I believe it is incredibly cruel to entertain the idea of replacing him with his twin brother. I understand that Nick’s actions have caused pain for many, and some might argue he doesn’t deserve any kindness after what he has done. However, I personally believe we should continue to show empathy and kindness.

Nick doesn’t need to be part of this series, and he shouldn’t be, but we don’t need to add to his suffering. Not being asked to return to the franchise that was his biggest life achievement is already a significant emotional toll. We don’t need to intensify that pain by (fan-)casting his brother in his most notable role.

Anyanka Bunny Slayer, I hope you do not feel attacked by me responding in a such a way to your post, it's not personal. It's more about the general suggestion of Kelly potentially replacing Nick that has spread on the internet since the reboot was announced and I felt like I had to position myself there.

 

[Moptop]

The idea that Kelly could simply step into Nick’s shoes because they are twins is problematic because it oversimplifies the situation. While they may share physical traits, they are distinct individuals with different personalities, acting styles, and life experiences. Kelly is not Nick, and it’s unfair to assume that their shared genetics would allow Kelly to replicate Nick’s portrayal of Xander, particularly given the emotional depth and nuance Nick brought to the role.

This is very much the same as the remaining three Beatles asking Julian to join them as a replacement for his father. Although they might look and sound a lot alike they are totally different individuals. Hank Williams Jr. also dealt with this same issue because he was expected to be a clone of his father. He said the pressure was unbelievable.

 

[AlphaFoxtrot]

If they really have a great story that requires the presence of Xander, and Nick isn't available, just recast him. Or create a new character, have Justin Hartley play him. Arguably, Sarah and him were the most successful Soap actors of their generation.

 

[NotASlayer]

Given the magical nature of the Buffyverse, it is entirely possible to come up with a storyline whereby a character dies but their spirit then inhabits another body.

Whether or not doing such would be appropriate from an out-universe point of view is a different thing.

 

[NileQT87]

Perhaps a way to honor the character as well as the actress would be to have her sacrifice herself by being the Key.

If Dawn's the Key to another dimension(s), perhaps she opened a portal that rid the earthly dimension of something apocalyptic or perhaps even the majority of supernatural evils to the point where the threat level has become quite low for a while. I still think there should be a deactivation of the Slayer army to make the status of the new protagonist not only more of a Chosen One, but critical at a time when there aren't as many superheroes in their prime anymore. Not a total expulsion of all supernatural beings (which would affect a lot of good beings), but enough of the malignant threats (or perhaps just a really big one of a world-ending nature) to make the sacrifice not in vain. Of course, the new Slayer would have to come into a world where she has something to slay.

And while terrible for Buffy to lose her sister, perhaps that is why we might see her having had the time to have a "normal" life she never thought she'd live long enough to experience. Perhaps even as a promise that she would "live".

I would love them to make the Key part of Dawn's identity relevant again at long last. It always felt like, after season 5, the writers forgot that she was a supernatural being.

 

[DeepBlueJoy]

I think a logical reunion point for the old cast would be a remembrance for Dawn.

Could be a joint rememberance if they decided that whatever the key was needed for also got Xander.

Tributes to both characters could be very cathartic.

Alternatively; Xander could be too shattered by the loss of Dawn to be around anyone and could have become a recluse living somewhere remote. (This could allow him to guest star at some later date if he ever got his &%$# together)

Because of his behavioural issues, i see any reappearances by Xander to be a very long shot even if he does eventually get clean. But you never know.

Actors (Robert Downey Jr. Anyway) have gone to prison then gotten clean and reclaimed their careers. Sadly, Nick probably does not have his talent though he could have been a very decent character actor.

 

[NotASlayer]

Rizzoli & Isles is a show with a good example of how to handle the real world death of an actor within the show itself.

Spoilers for the end of season 4 through to season 7 below.

Spoiler: Spoilers for S4-7

One of the actors sadly committed suicide, and his character was therefore killed off. The show had the characters dealing with it, having a funeral, mentioning him and in all ways dealing with the effects of losing someone. Even in S7, he was mentioned, and for the remainder of the show after his death, shots of the squad room would show his action figure still standing on it in silent memorial after his death. All in all, one of the better ways of handling it.

Sadly, this made the handling of the death of a secondary female character look all the worse. Now, out-universe, this is because the tributes to the male character were actually tributes to the actor, and from what I have read, the other actors were showing their real world grief. In-universe, it looked as if she had died and no-one gave a damn. This did not go down well with much of the audience; the show is really popular with WLW because, for supposedly "straight best friends," Jane and Maura are so very, very gay.

 

[Btvs fan]

@NileQT87 if Buffy is meant to be doing the Logan style role, then the death of her sister could be referenced as a reason for that.

Apparently the main casting list description for the characters has dropped for Nova the Vampire Slayer

Buffy The Vampire Slayer sequel series alleged casting breakdown reported

Get all the details for the BUFFY SEQUEL SERIES in the link 👀🚨🚨 https://t.co/9n07aLaSeS Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) March 21, 2025 -DanielRPK is reporting the alleged casting breakdown for the new characters that we'll be following in the Buffy sequel series. -Its already leaked all over…

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