Ryan Kiera Armstrong, known for her roles in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Firestarter, has officially landed the lead role in the highly anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is set to reprise her iconic role as Buffy Summers. This exciting project has received a pilot order from Hulu and promises to be the next chapter in the beloved Buffyverse.
The pilot episode of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot will be directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, known for her remarkable storytelling abilities. The script has been penned by the talented duo Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, who are also executive producers on the project. This reboot is a collaborative effort between 20th Television and Searchlight TV, with no further details about the storyline disclosed at this time.
In this new installment, Ryan Kiera Armstrong will portray the new slayer, characterized as an introverted high school student. The casting of Armstrong carries a significant symbolism, as her name shares a similar cadence to Gellar’s, marking her as a spiritual successor to the original slayer. However, it was Armstrong’s exceptional acting talent that ultimately secured her the role. Gellar expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side.”
In a heartwarming moment, Gellar recorded a video to break the news to the 15-year-old Armstrong, who was visibly moved. “I’m so honored, thank you for trusting me,” she exclaimed through tears upon being welcomed to the new Sunnydale. Armstrong was accompanied by her father, Canadian actor-producer Dean Armstrong, during this emotional reveal.
The Zuckerman sisters also praised Armstrong, using familiar Buffy terminology, stating, “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.” Their endorsement adds to the excitement surrounding the reboot.
The pilot is set to be executive produced by Gellar, Zhao through her Book of Shadows banner, and the original series’ executive producers Gail Berman of the Jackal Group, as well as Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui via Suite B. Notably, Dolly Parton is also joining the production team, with her company Sandollar having been involved in the original series.
The production of this highly anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot will be handled by 20th Television, in collaboration with Disney sibling Searchlight TV, where Zhao has a first-look deal.
Canadian-born Ryan Kiera Armstrong has been making waves in the industry since her breakout role at the tender age of 8 in The Art of Racing In the Rain, acting alongside Amanda Seyfried. Following her performances in IT: Part Two, The Tomorrow War, The Glorias, and Black Widow, she took on the lead role in the 2022 adaptation of Firestarter and starred opposite Nicolas Cage in The Wold Way. Armstrong's television career began with a significant role in Netflix’s Anne with an E.
Her talent caught the attention of 20th Television, leading to her casting in FX’s American Horror Story: Red Tide. She has since collaborated with Disney, securing a starring role alongside Jude Law in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and a recurring role opposite Ethan Hawke in the upcoming FX series The Lowdown. Currently, Armstrong is repped by Linden Entertainment and Innovative Artists Group.
