Buffy The Vampire Slayer's James Marsters Has An Idea For Bringing Spike Back For The Revival

Spike actor James Marsters wants to be in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot

One of the big reboots, remakes, and revivals in the works right now is a new version of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Among all the reworked TV projects coming together right now, that one has been one of the most confusing. Originally touted as a reboot of the original Buffy The Vampire Slayer series, the new project that is currently in development was then clarified by the new writer, Monica Owusu-Bree. She revealed she would never try to rewrite major characters like Buffy, Xander, Spike, Angel, Willow, Giles or others. Because of this, it's now looking as if the new series could be more of a revival of the universe, likely with new characters in the mix. If that's the case, there could potentially be room for original characters to pop in and Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor James Marsters definitely has thoughts about the prospect. He even revealed how he would love Spike to return. Per the actor:

I think we'd have to get some really good lighting together to sell Spike, but they are doing more and more and more, both with actor health and with special effects. What would be great is if he comes back and he's like, 'Buffy, you look terrible. I still love you of course.' That would be fun.

It's been 15 years since Buffy The Vampire Slayer was on the air. In that time, James Marsters has aged at least a little bit, recently appearing in Runaways as Victor Stein. However, his vampire character, Spike, was a member of the undead, meaning he shouldn't have aged at all in the past 15 years. On the bright side, we are living in an age where CGI and makeup tricks can make pretty much anyone look younger than they are. James Marsters touched on that concept in a recent interview before also noting that a jokier plotline might be more fun. (Not to mention easier on the budget.)

While speaking with James Marsters ahead of Marvel's Runaways, /film also learned that Marsters is definitely open to a return, should it be an option that is on the table.

I am open to whatever Joss has in mind. Whether that's playing Spike or something else, I told him a long time ago. Joss's mind is always surprising so I'm open to playing Spike if Joss is involved.

Plenty of members of the Buffy The Vampire Slayer cast have occasionally reminisced about their time on the series, including lead Sarah Michelle Gellar, but it's definitely up in the air regarding whether or not this new series will bring in old characters. Previously, Buffy actress Clare Kramer also said she didn't think a revival was even warranted, so those of that opinion might not want to be involved, even if it does end up being an option.

From what we know about the Buffy revival, the new Buffy will be played by a black actress. Joss Whedon, along with Fran Kazui and Kaz Kazui, will produce the new project, and the project is coming together thanks to Fox. We'll have to wait and see how the whole thing shakes out, but if it ever does involve Spike or James Marsters, we'll be sure to let you know.

Jessica Rawden
Managing Editor

Jessica Rawden is Managing Editor at CinemaBlend. She’s been kicking out news stories since 2007 and joined the full-time staff in 2014. She oversees news content, hiring and training for the site, and her areas of expertise include theme parks, rom-coms, Hallmark (particularly Christmas movie season), reality TV, celebrity interviews and primetime. She loves a good animated movie. Jessica has a Masters in Library Science degree from Indiana University, and used to be found behind a reference desk most definitely not shushing people. She now uses those skills in researching and tracking down information in very different ways.