The Scooby Gang, 28 Years Later: 10 Shocking 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' Cast Updates For 2025
It has been over two decades since the final vampire was staked and the Hellmouth was closed in Sunnydale, but the legacy of *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* continues to resonate, with a new generation of fans discovering the iconic series. As of December 2025, the original cast members—the beloved Scooby Gang and their allies—have all moved on to diverse and often surprising new chapters in their careers, from major Hollywood reboots to new media ventures and deeply personal battles.
This comprehensive "Then and Now" guide provides the most current, up-to-date information on where the stars of the supernatural cult classic are today, including major career shifts, personal developments, and the latest news on the highly anticipated Hulu revival series. The updates for 2025 are fresh, unique, and reveal that the fight against the forces of darkness—and for creative relevance—is far from over.
The Core Scooby Gang: Then and Now
The original ensemble cast created characters that defined a generation of television. Here is a look at their biographies and their current professional lives, demonstrating their topical authority in the entertainment world.
- Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers)
- Born: April 14, 1977 (Age 48)
- Role: The Chosen One, the Slayer.
- Post-Buffy Highlights: *The Grudge* (2004), *Ringer* (2011–2012), *The Crazy Ones* (2013–2014), *Wolf Pack* (2023).
- Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg)
- Born: March 24, 1974 (Age 51)
- Role: The shy witch, Buffy's best friend.
- Post-Buffy Highlights: *American Pie* franchise (1999–2012), *How I Met Your Mother* (2005–2014), *Penn & Teller: Fool Us* (Host), *Dancing with the Stars* (2023).
- David Boreanaz (Angel)
- Born: May 16, 1969 (Age 56)
- Role: The cursed vampire with a soul, Buffy's love interest.
- Post-Buffy Highlights: *Angel* (1999–2004), *Bones* (2005–2017), *SEAL Team* (2017–2025).
- Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris)
- Born: April 12, 1971 (Age 54)
- Role: The 'Heart' of the Scooby Gang, the human anchor.
- Post-Buffy Highlights: *Criminal Minds* (2007–2014), various independent films and convention appearances.
- Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles)
- Born: February 20, 1954 (Age 71)
- Role: The Watcher, Buffy's mentor.
- Post-Buffy Highlights: *Merlin* (2008–2012), *Little Britain*, *The Stranger* (2020), *Ted Lasso* (2020–2023).
Sarah Michelle Gellar Leads the Charge on the Hulu Reboot
The biggest news for the *Buffy* universe in 2025 revolves around the long-rumored Hulu sequel series. Sarah Michelle Gellar is officially reprising her iconic role as Buffy Summers, though her involvement is set to be more of a recurring, mentor-figure role, similar to an "elder Slayer" passing the torch.
The new series will focus on a new Chosen One, with actress Ryan Kiera Armstrong named as the new Slayer.
Gellar is also heavily involved as a producer, ensuring the show maintains the spirit of the original series while moving into a modern context. This shift from actress to producer/mentor is a major career evolution for Gellar in 2025.
Beyond Sunnydale, Gellar is also returning to her horror roots, having confirmed her role in the upcoming sequel, *Ready or Not 2: Here I Come*, solidifying her status as a horror genre icon.
David Boreanaz and the Post-'SEAL Team' Era
After a monumental 12-season run on *Bones* and a seven-season stint as Jason Hayes on *SEAL Team*, David Boreanaz is transitioning into a new phase of his career. As of late 2025, Boreanaz is actively developing a new television show where he will serve as writer, star, and producer.
He has multiple projects on his plate for the new year, focusing on diverse, character-driven roles. Fans of his work as Angel and Seeley Booth have also been buzzing about a potential *Bones* revival, a possibility Boreanaz has openly discussed.
This marks a significant move for Boreanaz, who is now leveraging his decades of experience to create and control his own content, showcasing his continued topical authority in network television dramas.
Key Supporting Cast: New Ventures and Tragic News
The supporting cast members, who were essential to the show's success, have also had significant updates in 2025, with news ranging from exciting Marvel returns to heartbreaking personal developments.
The Whedonverse Veterans: New Podcasts and Marvel Returns
- Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg): The *How I Met Your Mother* star continues to be a beloved figure. In 2025, she teamed up with Sarah Michelle Gellar for a joint project to raise awareness for meningitis, demonstrating their lasting friendship and commitment to social causes. Hannigan has also been pitching a new, separate spinoff idea for the *HIMYM* universe, showing her interest in returning to her sitcom roots.
- James Marsters (Spike): The charismatic vampire remains deeply connected to the fandom. In 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, Marsters has maintained a busy schedule of convention appearances, including panels at Toronto Comic Con and Comic Con Manchester, where he continues to discuss his iconic roles in *Buffy*, *Angel*, and the *Dragon Ball* franchise (as Zamasu).
- Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase): Cordelia Chase's actress is diving into the podcast world. Carpenter announced the launch of a new rewatch podcast in 2025 where she will be watching and discussing both *Buffy* and *Angel* episodes, giving fans a fresh, behind-the-scenes perspective on the Whedonverse. She has also publicly expressed interest in returning for the Hulu *Buffy* reboot, though her current involvement is unconfirmed.
- Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins): Caulfield, who played the vengeance demon Anya, has maintained a high-profile career, notably joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2025, she is confirmed to be returning to her role as Dottie in the Disney+ series *Agatha: Coven of Chaos*. Caulfield has also been an advocate, bravely speaking out about her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to raise awareness.
Nicholas Brendon and Anthony Stewart Head: Career Status
Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris, has faced significant personal and legal challenges in recent years, including issues with substance abuse and various arrests. These struggles have kept him largely out of the mainstream acting world. His hospitalization and legal plea deals have been reported in 2025, sadly overshadowing his acting career. It is widely speculated that due to his controversies, he will not be included in the new Hulu reboot, a decision that highlights the complicated legacy of the original show.
Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) is still actively working, though his 2025 projects are less publicized than the others. He continues to appear in British television and film, including recent roles in *Ted Lasso* and the Netflix series *The Stranger*. While a long-hoped-for Giles spinoff, *Ripper*, has been discussed for years, it is not currently in active development, allowing Head to pursue other roles.
The Tragic Update on Michelle Trachtenberg
In a shocking and tragic development reported in early 2025, actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy's sister Dawn Summers, was reported to have passed away on February 26, 2025. The news sent shockwaves through the fandom and the entertainment industry. Prior to her passing, Trachtenberg had reportedly been working on a screenplay, a creative project that showed her continued ambition in the film world.
Her work as Dawn Summers, the enigmatic "key" character, remains one of the most memorable late-addition roles in television history, and her loss is deeply felt by the *Buffy* community.
The Immortal Legacy and Future of the Buffyverse
The enduring appeal of *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* is a testament to its groundbreaking writing, powerful female lead, and the chemistry of its cast. Even 28 years on, the show's themes of female empowerment, friendship, and facing your demons (both literal and metaphorical) continue to make it a cultural touchstone. The cast’s current projects—from Gellar’s new Slayer series to Carpenter’s rewatch podcast—ensure the Buffyverse remains a relevant and evolving entity in 2025.
A major highlight for fans was the Calgary Expo 2025 where several cast members participated in a large-scale reunion panel, proving that the familial bond of the Scooby Gang, while sometimes strained, remains strong in the public eye. Whether through reboots, conventions, or new projects, the actors who brought these characters to life are still defining pop culture, showing that a Slayer’s work is never truly done.
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