Chloé Zhao, the acclaimed director of the upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, has revealed her allegiance in the show‘s most heated debate, igniting speculation about the development of her take on the franchise. The announcement surfaced during press events for Zhao’s new film Hamnet, where she openly discussed her feelings about the revival, the importance of legacy characters, and how her perspective has evolved since she first became a fan.
Chloé Zhao Weighs In on Buffy’s Iconic Love Triangle
The longstanding rivalry between Team Angel and Team Spike among Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans has shaped discussions for decades. As the director of the highly anticipated revival’s pilot episode, Chloé Zhao has not shied away from this debate. Zhao spoke about her early fandom and how her views shifted as she matured, sharing her experiences with interviewer Lauren Veneziani from DC Film Girl.
Reflecting on her personal journey with the series, Zhao described herself as a “massive Buffy and Spike person.” She added,
I was a massive Buffy and Spike person,
continuing,
when I was a teenager and in my early 20s.
As Zhao rewatched the series in her 40s, she found new value in Buffy and Angel’s relationship, acknowledging layers she had not seen before.
Still, Zhao did not declare Angel as a healthier partner for Buffy, suggesting that both love interests had their shortcomings. According to Zhao,
[Angel’s] got his problems… The thing with Angel is he’s a runner. He just runs.
Her remarks highlight a nuanced view, recognizing Angel’s repeated departures during key moments in Buffy’s life, such as her high school graduation and the series finale. In contrast, she noted Spike’s attempts at redemption, his recurring presence, and ultimately, his sacrifice for Buffy and the world.
During the same conversation, Zhao also revisited another controversial figure from the Buffy universe. She spoke positively about Riley Finn, who has often been dismissed by fans. Zhao revealed,
I actually, in my 40s, appreciated Riley more… When I was younger, I thought, ‘kind of boring. I prefer Spike. And now I’m older, go like, ‘You know what? Maybe a little less Spike, a little more Riley.
This admission reveals the complexity in how viewers—and even creators—see characters over time.
Despite Riley Finn remaining one of the less popular romantic choices in the show’s canon, Zhao’s defensive stance hints at a director interested in complicating fan expectations. Such opinions demonstrate that the individuals shaping the Chloé Zhao Buffy revival are as invested in the series’ legacy and characters as its veteran fanbase.
Potential for Spike’s Prominent Return in the Revival
The involvement of original cast members is one of the biggest questions concerning the new revival. With Willow, played by Alyson Hannigan, making multiple public appearances alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, optimism has grown over her return to the franchise. Discussions about Spike’s return have intensified, especially given Zhao’s self-identification with Team Spike.
Spike’s actor James Marsters has contributed to the intrigue surrounding his possible return. In an Instagram video, Marsters commented,
it’s not a good thing for me to talk about the Buffy reboot… in the interest of having the project be the best it can be, it’s best that I keep my mouth shut right now, so I’m going to do that.
Though not revealing any direct details, his statement, combined with Zhao’s clear favoritism, suggests fans could well see Spike reappear in the new chapter.
Chloé Zhao has described her matured take on Spike as markedly different from her first impressions. Nevertheless, her long-term attachment to the character may influence her creative decisions and offer an updated dynamic between Buffy and Spike. This could honor not only her own early fandom but also the continuing investment of viewers who identified with the show’s more complicated relationships.
Many anticipate that this nuanced perspective may find its way into the narrative, possibly leading to a reunion between Buffy and Spike. The chemistry between the two characters could be revisited with new depth and less of the original toxicity, reflecting Zhao’s more reflective stance. This approach may also address how relationships are viewed over time, offering fans familiar with the complex past a new phase for their favorite characters.
The Revival’s Direction: Legacy and New Possibilities
At the heart of the Chloé Zhao Buffy revival is the question of legacy and innovation. Sarah Michelle Gellar is reported to have received a replica Class Protector Award from Zhao on the last day of shooting the revival pilot, an act underlining the director’s respect for the original series and its cast. As discussions continue about which former characters will make an appearance, the show is set to carry forward both established storylines and explore fresh dynamics.
With Zhao at the helm, the show could balance nostalgia with re-examined themes, potentially giving more prominence to characters like Spike and Riley Finn, and possibly challenging the simplistic dichotomy between Team Angel and Team Spike. The director’s comments suggest a willingness to engage with the charged atmosphere of fandom and offer new interpretations without ignoring the layered histories that give the series its cult status.
The path forward for Buffy, Spike, and the rest of the cast remains just as intriguing and conflicted as many of the show’s most beloved episodes. Fan excitement builds with each reveal, and the Chloé Zhao Buffy revival is poised to spark fresh debates while honoring the emotional stakes that defined the original series. As production continues, long-standing and new fans alike are eagerly awaiting how Zhao’s nuanced vision will shape the future of Sunnydale and its legendary heroes.
