Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans are buzzing with excitement over the upcoming reboot directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao. With Sarah Michelle Gellar returning as Buffy, the nostalgia is real. But there’s a big question hanging over the revival: What happens to Angel and Spike?
David Boreanaz (Angel) and James Marsters (Spike) were fan favorites in the original series, playing ageless vampires. However, in reality, time has passed—Boreanaz is now 55, and Marsters is 62. Since vampires don’t age, recasting or sidelining these characters might seem like the only option. But thanks to AI de-aging technology, there may be another way.
AI De-Aging: The Future of Immortal Vampires?
Hollywood has already embraced AI rejuvenation. Films like The Irishman (2019) used digital de-aging to make Robert De Niro and Al Pacino appear decades younger. Similarly, The Mandalorian (2020) brought back a young Luke Skywalker using AI-enhanced visuals and voice work. This technology could be the perfect solution for Angel and Spike, allowing Boreanaz and Marsters to reprise their roles without disrupting continuity.
If done right, AI could preserve the characters' signature looks while keeping the actors in their iconic roles. This wouldn’t just be a win for Buffy fans—it could also set a precedent for vampire narratives, where immortality is a key trait.
AI’s Gendered Impact in Hollywood
Interestingly, AI’s influence in the entertainment industry hasn’t been equal. Studies suggest that automation has disproportionately affected women, particularly in roles like background acting and voice work. Meanwhile, male actors have benefited from AI technology, with figures like Harrison Ford (de-aged in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) maintaining lead roles in blockbuster franchises.
With Gellar leading the Buffy reboot at 47, a new dynamic could emerge. If AI is used to de-age Angel and Spike, Buffy’s vampire lovers could end up looking younger than her for the first time—flipping traditional Hollywood gender norms, where male leads often remain youthful while female actors are aged out of roles.
Whether or not AI plays a role in the Buffy revival, one thing is certain: The franchise has always been about adapting and evolving. If the reboot can balance nostalgia with innovation, it just might slay once again in the 21st century.
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Source: The Conversation
Photo Credit: The WB
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