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"Buffy the Vampire Slayer": Things You May Not Know About Everyone's Favorite Slayer

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was an iconic series which had a huge influence on television as well as on society. What really made the show stand out was that while it had themes of the supernatural and even science-fiction, "Buffy" was at its heart a show about life. The name "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sounded like a cheesy B-movie, but in reality it was one of the most intelligent and thought-provoking shows on the air. In fact "Buffy" was so innovative and philosophical that it has been studied in classrooms the same as any classic literature. However, the series didn't begin the way we came to know it. From the small beginning to the lasting impact, there are some interesting things you might not know about "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Sarah Michelle Geller almost wasn't Buffy

That's right, Sarah Michelle Gellar's Iconic portrayal of Buffy Summers almost didn't happen. Gellar auditioned and read for different parts where she was told that she would be better for Cordelia Chase (a role later filled by Charisma Carpenter). As the casting search went on with no Buffy, Joss Whedon noticed that Gellar had something special that would make her the perfect choice for his slayer.

Alyson Hannigan almost wasn't Willow

Originally Hannigan was not cast in the pilot. The original Willow was much different as played by the largely unknown actress "Riff Regan." When the "WB Network" picked the series up they replaced the over-weight and clumsy Willow with the petite and lovably awkward Willow we came to know as played by Alyson Hannigan.

More Alternate casting

If Sarah Michelle Gellar hadn't become the famed Slayer, who might have gotten the role? Actresses considered included Selma Blair and Katie Holmes. Ryan Reynolds was offered the role of Xander and Danny Strong (Jonathan) originally auditioned for the same role.

The original Pilot was never aired, and Joss Whedon likes it that way.

There was a different pilot filmed before the polished network version we have all seen. There were familiar faces like Cordelia, Xander, Darla, and Jonathan, but there was no Angel and no Alyson Hannigan. More importantly, the un-aired episode was not very good. In fact, series creator Whedon stated that the original pilot would never make it onto DVD as long as "there is strength in these bones."

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the subject of academic study

The series had an influence beyond popular culture that even lead to college studies of its themes and sociological importance.

Sources:

Buffy Bites - Casting Buffy

IMDB Trivia

Unaired Pilot

Buffy Studies

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