Gellar played the teenage vampire slayer throughout the series' entire seven-season run from 1997 to 2003 ("Buffy" first on The WB and later moved to UPN for its final two seasons). The show, from creator Joss Whedon, was based on Whedon's 1992 film of the same name.
Buffy faced a variety of dark forces in addition to vampires including demons, werewolves, and other monsters. The show was a huge hit that retains a devoted following years after it went off the air. It has inspired podcasts, fan fiction, and other art from those who love getting lost in its ghoulish universe.
In the book, Gellar's "Buffy" costar Julie Benz agreed with her choice. "That would be amazing," she replied of Gellar's Zendaya fan-casting.
Zendaya has also been battling foes of the more spiritual sort on the HBO drama "Euphoria" where her character, teenager Rue Bennett, struggles with drug addiction.
Gellar is not the first actress to endorse Zendaya continuing the legacy of their franchise. Vivica A. Fox told NME in 2020 that she would be pleased with the actress assuming the role of her on-screen daughter in a future "Kill Bill" sequel.
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