Hulu’s upcoming revival of the beloved Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise has officially cast Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the next slayer. Armstrong is known for her roles as Alma in American Horror Story: Red Tide and Fern in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew; casting was also confirmed by Deadline.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who famously played Buffy Summers in the original series, shared the news through an Instagram video: “From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side. To have that kind of emotional intelligence, and talent, at such a young age is truly a gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room”. 

Gellar revealed earlier this year that she had been working for three years on this reboot alongside writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, with the initial concept coming from Chloé Zhao. In the revival, Gellar will reprise her iconic role, with Armstrong playing the new slayer (described in casting materials as an introverted high-school student) in the untitled Buffyverse project, which Gellar will executive produce for Hulu.

No additional information has been provided about the project, which comes from 20th Television and Searchlight TV.

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