Buffy Reboot Slayers: Everything You Need To Know About Audible’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer Drama

In an exciting revival of the iconic Buffyverse, the original stars of the beloved TV series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, are reuniting for an Audible Original titled "Slayers: A Buffyverse Story." Penned by Amber Benson, known for her role as Tara Maclay, and Christopher Golden, a seasoned contributor to Buffy novels, this audio series is set to take fans on an electrifying supernatural journey.

Set two decades after the original series finale that aired back in 2003, "Slayers: A Buffyverse Story" catapults fans back into the world of vampires, demons, and the relentless battle against the forces of darkness. The stakes are higher, and the world has evolved, but the fight continues.

Mark your calendars for October 12th, 2023, when this eagerly awaited audio series makes its debut. And for fans lucky enough to attend New York Comic Con on October 13th at 1:30 PM, a panel featuring the star-studded cast is sure to provide even more insights and revelations about the project.

Reprising their iconic roles are James Marsters (Spike), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), Anthony Head (Giles), Juliet Landau (Drusilla), Emma Caulfield Ford (Anya), Amber Benson (Tara), James Charles Leary (Clem), and Danny Strong (Jonathan). Joining the ensemble is the newcomer Laya DeLeon Hayes, taking on the role of the 16-year-old Slayer, Indira Nunnally.

"Slayers: A Buffyverse Story" promises an exciting journey spread across nine gripping episodes, offering fans around eight hours of audio drama. The series is a testament to the enduring love fans have for the Buffy universe and the tenacity of the original cast.

The announcement of this project was first made by Entertainment Weekly, igniting a blaze of anticipation within the fanbase across social media. Wayland Productions takes the helm in bringing this new audio adventure to life, ensuring that it remains faithful to the spirit of the original Buffy series. "Slayers: A Buffyverse Story" is the first-ever audio original set in the Buffyverse, offering a fresh way to immerse in this beloved universe.

One question that has inevitably arisen is whether this story is considered canon and why the absence of Buffy, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, is conspicuous. Christopher Golden, one of the series' writers, addressed this on Twitter, explaining that only the IP owners can determine canon status. He also noted that recasting Buffy was not an option, and Sarah Michelle Gellar had expressed her disinterest in reprising the role. Therefore, while Buffy is discussed in the series, she does not make an appearance, given that it has been a decade since the season finale.

Another significant aspect of the series is its dissociation from Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This news may be welcomed by fans disheartened by allegations of a toxic work environment during the original series.

Charisma Carpenter, who plays Cordelia Chase, expressed her pride in the new series, emphasising its importance within the Buffy universe. She noted how the audio drama, told over eight hours in nine episodes on Audible, provides a sense of justice for her character.

“I am so damn proud of friends Amber Benson and Christopher Golden for providing a story within a beloved universe that is truly of service to my character, Cordelia Chase. If there was ever to be #justiceforcordelia this audio drama series told over 8 hours (in 9 episodes) on audible provides it. And I’d very much like to lean into, amplify, and centre that fact. After all, it’s ultimately why I agreed to be a part of it. Also, I believed it would be redemptive of so many things for both me and the fandom. Who, above all, deserves that.” - Charisma Carpenter

James Marsters, the actor behind fan-favourite Spike, shared his excitement about returning to the Buffyverse, eager to introduce both old and new fans to a unique immersive audio storytelling experience that brings the beloved world of vampire slaying to life like never before.

“I'm ecstatic to be back with my dear friends for this next chapter in the Buffyverse, as we take listeners on a familiar but unexpected journey chock full of horror, passion and mischief … I'm excited for old and new fans to experience this beloved world of vampire slaying like never before, brought to life through immersive audio storytelling." - James Marsters

But what is this new audio drama going to be about and how does it fit within the wider Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe? Eagle eyed fans will have noticed that some memorable Buffy characters are set to appear in the new drama despite their deaths in the main series and sequel Angel (with David Boreanaz in the lead). These include write Amber Benson who plays fan-favourite Tara Maclay who tragically died by gunshot wound in Season 6 of Buffy. Emma Caulfield is also playing deceased vengeance demon Anya Jenkins. Cordelia Chase herself dies in a coma in Season 5 of the sequel Angel much to Charisma Carpenter’s distaste. So how do these beloved characters fit into the new drama series on Audible?

What is Slayers: A Buffyverse Story about?

In the new plot of "Slayers: A Buffyverse Story," the curtain rises as the charismatic vampire Spike takes centre stage once more. However, this time, he  has gone deep undercover in Los Angeles, convincing the forces of darkness that he's back to his evil ways. But when his cover is compromised by 16-year-old Indira Nunnally. 

Suddenly thrust into the role of a reluctant babysitter for this enthusiastic newbie Slayer, Spike embarks on a mission to find a suitable Watcher to guide and train her. Yet, fate takes a twist as their paths collide with a parallel reality—a world where the name Buffy Summers has no meaning, and Cordelia Chase reigns as the singular and mighty Slayer!

Cordelia finds herself facing a “Big Bad” who threatens to unleash chaos upon her world and she needs Spike’s help. The stakes are higher than ever as Spike confronts his past, his old flame Drusilla, who is revealed as the one wreaking havoc on Cordelia's universe. Together, they get into a whirlwind of supernatural challenges, full of danger, redemption, and unexpected alliances that promise to keep fans of the Buffyverse on the edge of their seats.

"Slayers: A Buffyverse Story" will truly be a supernatural journey that rekindles the passion of long-time Buffy fans while inviting a new generation to immerse themselves in the magic and mayhem of the Buffyverse. With its original cast, talented writers, and immersive audio storytelling, this Audible Original is a must-listen for all fans of the Slayer. We’re excited to listen to the first episode on 12th October - set your reminders!

Thanks for reading "Buffy Reboot Slayers: Everything You Need To Know About Audible’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer Drama" on January Media.