Fan Faves We Crave: 5 'Buffy' Icons We're Dying to See Back in Action!

Summary

Anya Jenkins, with her deadpan humor and valuable contributions, would be a welcome addition to the new Buffy series.
Angel, the vampire cursed with a soul, offers a unique and potentially conflicted addition to the new show.
Cordelia Chase’s transformation and departure to join the Angel-verse adds depth and potential for her return in the new series.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a popular TV series that gained numerous followers worldwide during its broadcast in the late 90s and early 2000s. The show chronicled the journey of the main character, Buffy, as she embraced her fate as the Slayer to protect the world from various creatures, such as vampires among others, fulfilling her destiny.

As a die-hard fan, I can attest that no superhero ventures out on their own, not even the mighty Buffy. Her world was rich with an assortment of allies, ranging from humans to demons, witches, and vampires. Some of these characters captivated audiences so much that they rivaled Buffy’s popularity. The prospect of their return would undoubtedly send fans into a frenzy!

With a fresh revival series on the horizon, showcasing a new Slayer and the return of Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy, who knows what surprises await us? The possibilities are endless!

7. Anya Jenkins

This Lovable Demon Would Be A More Than Welcome Addition

First Appearance: Season 3, Episode 9: “The Wish”
Status: Dead

Anya unexpectedly became an ally for the slayers, despite their typical role being to eliminate demons rather than befriend them. However, Anya demonstrated her worth as a member of the Scooby team, often bringing humor with her straightforward and brutally honest demeanor. Over time, she developed a strong bond with Xander, leading to a marriage that was ultimately called off because of Xander’s concern about becoming like his father.

It’s possible that Anya could reappear in the upcoming Buffy series, given that both Willow and Xander returned to aid Buffy in Season 7. With Buffy having her own recurring role now, it wouldn’t be surprising if popular character Anya were brought back for a single episode, perhaps to offer demonic assistance when Nova finds herself in need.

6. Angel

The Vampire Cursed With A Soul

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 7: “Angel”
Status: Alive

In the realm of Buffy, when creatures become vampires, their souls are lost, causing them to feel little empathy or regret towards other living beings. To them, humans are essentially large containers filled with blood – except for Angel, who stands out as a special kind of vampire. He was afflicted with a curse that made him possess a soul, but if he ever experiences genuine joy, he will lose it again.

In essence, he’s a complex character, often troubled and brooding, who strives to stay on the righteous path by assisting those in need in LA, even consuming pig’s blood instead of human blood. On occasion, both shows, Buffy and Angel, have seen him momentarily revert to his darker self, Angelus. It’s possible that either aspect of Angel may surface in the upcoming series, given Buffy’s rumored role in the plot.

5. Cordelia Chase

Cordelia Left Buffy To Enter The Angel-Verse

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1: “Welcome to Hellmouth”
Status: Dead

Initially considered an outsider within the Scooby gang, Cordelia’s character appeal was undeniable. At first glance, she appeared as a typical popular high school mean girl surrounded by other airheads in Sunnydale. However, over time, she gradually unveiled deeper aspects of herself to Buffy, showing that there was more to her than met the eye.

In the Season 3 finale of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Cordelia’s opportunity to bond was limited, as she left to join the Angel team, marking a departure from the series. During her time with Angel Investigations, her character developed significantly, evolving from a snarky and self-centered person into a more empathetic and crucial member of the team who worked towards helping the people of Los Angeles. Though Cordelia’s life ended in “Angel,” she might make brief appearances as a higher power or spirit to aid Nova in her mission.

4. Willow Rosenberg

This Powerful Wicca Was One Of Buffy’s Closest Friends

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1: “Welcome to Hellmouth”
Status: Alive

In Sunnydale, Willow was among Buffy’s earliest friends. It was later discovered that she wasn’t your typical high school geek; she eventually developed magical talents that frequently helped the Scooby group in their missions. Moreover, her relationship with Tara became a significant milestone on American television, as LGBT relationships were scarcely portrayed on prime-time TV during the show’s initial broadcast.

Willow’s darker instincts surfaced after Tara’s passing, leading her to utilize her powers for vengeance. Despite this, her fans’ affection for her didn’t waver. After all, nobody could condone the premature demise of a cherished character, and who wouldn’t seek justice for a beloved one? It remains unclear whether Willow will reappear, but if she does, her adored and formidable witch persona could prove indispensable to the new slayer and serve as a tribute to long-time fans.

3. Rupert Giles

Every Slayer Needs A Watcher

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1: “Welcome to Hellmouth”
Status: Alive

Initially seeming like an ordinary school librarian, Giles’s persona carries a deeper mystery; he is actually one of the Watchers, mentoring and preparing new slayers before they embark on their solo missions. Despite being more than just a librarian, Giles chose to stay by Buffy’s side for an extended period, assuming a paternal role in her life.

The bond between them was undeniably heartwarming within the series, and it wasn’t unusual for viewers to develop a fondness not only for their relationship but also for Giles himself. Despite his limited involvement in active slaying, other than research, he still held great significance. It’s speculated that a new Watcher may be introduced to guide Nova, yet the prospect of Giles reappearing would undoubtedly elicit excitement from many fans.

2. Faith Lehane

As A Slayer, Faith Gave Buffy A Run For Her Money

First Appearance: Season 3, Episode 3: “Faith, Hope and Trick”
Status: Alive

In most generations, only one Slayer emerges, and they are typically the only active Slayer during their lifetime. However, when a previous Slayer dies, new ones like Kendra and Faith might awaken to their powers. But an exception occurred when Buffy was resurrected, leading to multiple Slayers existing simultaneously. More potentials even joined the fight after Willow performed a spell to activate them all.

Instead of Buffy, Faith was harsher in her approach as a Slayer and initially presented as a sort of rival before they teamed up. Bold, brash, feisty, and fierce, fans instantly took a liking to Faith, with some even declaring her their preferred character. She lived through the series finale of Buffy, which means she could potentially continue her slaying duties, taking down demons wherever she goes. Given this, there’s always a possibility she might reappear in future stories.

1. Spike

His And Buffy’s Story Continued After The Show Ended

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 3: “School Hard”
Status: Dead

Initially, Spike made a dramatic entrance during Season 2, accompanied by his vampire partner Drusilla. Their objective was to eliminate the slayer, but their plans failed due to Buffy’s intervention. In the end, rather than continuing his destructive path, Spike found himself drawn to Buffy, developing feelings for her that led him to reconsider his actions. This shift in allegiance saw him joining forces with Buffy and her companions in their battle against darkness. Over time, Spike became a beloved character among fans of the show Buffy.

Despite some character developments in later seasons that might have turned off fans, as Joss Whedon intended to emphasize they shouldn’t root for the vampires, this didn’t deter fans from wanting more of the Billy Idol-esque character. They got their wish in the comic book series that furthered the storyline. Given his widespread appeal, he seemed a likely candidate for a recurring role, but this could pose challenges; although vampires don’t age, the actors playing them do.

2025-04-04 09:36

Fan Faves We Crave: 5 ‘Buffy’ Icons We’re Dying to See Back in Action!