The Scooby Gang's Next Chapter: Where The Cast Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer Is Now In 2024
Two decades after the Hellmouth was sealed, the cast of *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* remains one of the most beloved ensembles in television history. The iconic "Scooby Gang"—Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles—defined a generation of supernatural drama, blending witty dialogue with profound metaphors about growing up. Today, as of December 2025, the stars have moved far beyond Sunnydale, taking on new roles in major television series, launching podcasts, and even stepping into the world of reality TV. Their careers have been a fascinating journey, marked by both soaring successes and difficult personal battles, proving that life after slaying is anything but quiet.
The enduring legacy of the *Whedonverse* continues to influence pop culture, and fans are constantly searching for updates on the actors who brought these characters to life. This deep dive explores the current status, recent projects, and notable career evolutions of the main cast, offering the most up-to-date look at where the heroes and villains of the beloved show are now.
The Core Scooby Gang: From Slayers to Showrunners
The heart of *Buffy* was the core trio and their Watcher. Their careers have diversified dramatically since the show’s 2003 finale, with recent projects securing their status as industry veterans.
Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers)
Biography Profile:
- Full Name: Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Born: April 14, 1977 (Age 48 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Freddie Prinze Jr. (m. 2002)
- Children: Two
- Notable Roles Before *Buffy*: Kendall Hart on *All My Children* (1993–1995)
- Major Post-*Buffy* Projects: *The Grudge* (2004), *Ringer* (2011–2012), *The Crazy Ones* (2013–2014), *Wolf Pack* (2023), *Dexter: Original Sin* (2024–2025)
Sarah Michelle Gellar, the titular Slayer, has enjoyed a significant resurgence in genre television. After a brief hiatus from the major spotlight to focus on family and her food-focused business, Foodstirs, Gellar returned to the supernatural world in 2023 as a star and executive producer of the Paramount+ series *Wolf Pack*.
Her most talked-about current project is the upcoming prequel series, *Dexter: Original Sin*, where she is set to play a pivotal role. Reports from mid-2024 confirmed she had begun work on the series, with the show slated for a 2024–2025 release. Furthermore, Gellar has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a potential *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* reboot. While she has expressed support for a new generation's take on the Slayer, the possibility of her reprising her career-defining role remains a hot topic among fans and industry insiders.
Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg)
Biography Profile:
- Full Name: Alyson Lee Hannigan
- Born: March 24, 1974 (Age 51 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Alexis Denisof (m. 2003)
- Children: Two
- Notable Roles Before *Buffy*: *My Stepmother Is an Alien* (1988), *Free Spirit* (1989–1990)
- Major Post-*Buffy* Projects: The *American Pie* film franchise, *How I Met Your Mother* (2005–2014), *Penn & Teller: Fool Us* (Host), *Dancing with the Stars* (2023)
Alyson Hannigan, who masterfully portrayed the evolution of Willow Rosenberg from shy witch to powerful force, found her next long-running hit on the sitcom *How I Met Your Mother*, playing Lily Aldrin for nine seasons. Since then, her career has shifted towards hosting and light-hearted television.
In late 2023, Hannigan made a high-profile return to primetime by competing on Season 32 of *Dancing with the Stars*. Partnered with professional dancer Sasha Farber, she placed fifth in the competition, a journey she openly discussed, including the physical transformation of losing 20 pounds. Her husband, former *Buffy* and *Angel* co-star Alexis Denisof, has been a constant presence in her life, a beautiful real-life romance that blossomed from the *Whedonverse*.
Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris)
Biography Profile:
- Full Name: Nicholas Brendon Schultz
- Born: April 12, 1971 (Age 54 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Divorced
- Children: None
- Notable Roles Before *Buffy*: Minor roles and a focus on baseball
- Major Post-*Buffy* Projects: *Criminal Minds* (Recurring role), *Coherence* (2013)
Nicholas Brendon, the beloved "heart of the Scooby Gang," has faced the most public struggles since *Buffy* concluded. While he had a recurring role as Kevin Lynch on the procedural drama *Criminal Minds* and starred in the critically praised indie film *Coherence*, his career has been overshadowed by ongoing personal issues.
Recent years, including 2024, have seen the actor dealing with legal and health challenges, including multiple arrests related to domestic disputes and substance abuse issues. Fans continue to send support to the actor, hoping for a successful path to recovery and stability as he navigates these difficult times. Despite the turmoil, Brendon remains a figure of profound nostalgia for the *Buffy* fandom.
The Mentors and Vampires: Post-Sunnydale Triumphs
The supporting cast, including the Watcher and the two most significant vampires, have established robust and diverse careers, proving the show was a launching pad for long-term success in the industry.
David Boreanaz (Angel)
Biography Profile:
- Full Name: David Patrick Boreanaz
- Born: May 16, 1969 (Age 56 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Jaime Bergman (m. 2001)
- Children: Two
- Notable Roles Before *Buffy*: Minor TV roles
- Major Post-*Buffy* Projects: *Angel* (1999–2004), *Bones* (2005–2017), *SEAL Team* (2017–2024)
David Boreanaz has arguably had the most consistent post-*Buffy* television career. After leading the successful spin-off *Angel*, he immediately transitioned into the long-running procedural *Bones*, playing FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth for 12 seasons.
Following *Bones*, Boreanaz jumped straight into the military drama *SEAL Team*, where he played Jason Hayes. The show concluded its run in 2024, marking the end of an impressive 27-year streak of starring in a major network or streaming series. As of late 2024, Boreanaz has indicated he is taking a well-deserved break from the demanding schedule of television production, though he remains active in the convention circuit, meeting fans of the *Whedonverse* and his subsequent hits.
James Marsters (Spike)
Biography Profile:
- Full Name: James Wesley Marsters
- Born: August 20, 1962 (Age 63 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Patricia Rahman (m. 2010; div. 2021)
- Children: One
- Notable Roles Before *Buffy*: Theater work
- Major Post-*Buffy* Projects: *Angel*, *Smallville*, *Torchwood*, *Runaways*, Voice acting for video games and animation, Band: Ghost of the Robot
The platinum-blond vampire Spike, played by James Marsters, has maintained a strong presence in the sci-fi and fantasy world. He has appeared in major franchises like *Smallville* and the *Doctor Who* spin-off *Torchwood*.
In 2024, Marsters remains highly engaged with fans, frequently appearing at conventions like GalaxyCon Raleigh and GalaxyCon Columbus. Beyond acting, Marsters is an active musician, touring and recording with his band, Ghost of the Robot. In a June 2024 interview, he discussed his music career alongside his enduring legacy as Spike. He also recently reprised his role as Spike for the 2023 audio drama *Slayers: A Buffyverse Story*, alongside Charisma Carpenter and other former cast members.
Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles)
Biography Profile:
- Full Name: Anthony Stewart Head
- Born: February 20, 1954 (Age 71 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Sarah Fisher
- Children: Two
- Notable Roles Before *Buffy*: The "Gold Blend couple" commercials (UK), Musical theatre
- Major Post-*Buffy* Projects: *Merlin*, *Little Britain*, *The Iron Lady*, *Ted Lasso*, *Upgraded* (2024)
Anthony Stewart Head, the wise and witty Watcher Rupert Giles, has continued to have a prolific career, particularly in UK television and film. He is widely recognized for his role as the Prime Minister in *Little Britain* and as Uther Pendragon in the fantasy series *Merlin*.
His recent work is highly visible. In 2024, he starred in the romantic comedy film *Upgraded* and continued his recurring role as Rupert Mannion in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series *Ted Lasso*. Head also participated in a horror musical event in May 2024, showcasing his versatility as an actor and singer, a nod to his background in musical theatre.
The Supporting Stars: Cordelia, Anya, and the Next Generation
The expansive cast of *Buffy* also included several characters who became integral to the *Whedonverse*, with their actors continuing to collaborate and evolve their careers.
Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase)
Biography Profile:
- Full Name: Charisma Lee Carpenter
- Born: July 23, 1970 (Age 55 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Damian Hardy (m. 2002; div. 2008)
- Children: One
- Notable Roles Before *Buffy*: Guest roles in *Baywatch* and *Malibu Shores*
- Major Post-*Buffy* Projects: *Angel*, *Veronica Mars*, *The Expendables* franchise, *Slayers: A Buffyverse Story* (Audio Drama), *The B*** Is Back* (Podcast)
Charisma Carpenter, who played the popular mean girl turned hero Cordelia Chase, has recently re-embraced her *Buffy* and *Angel* roots. Her most recent acting role was reprising Cordelia in the 2023 audio drama *Slayers: A Buffyverse Story*.
Beyond acting, she co-hosts the *Buffy* and *Angel* rewatch podcast, "The B*** Is Back," offering behind-the-scenes stories and commentary on the show that made her famous. Carpenter remains open to returning to the role, expressing her dream of participating in any future *Buffy* reboot projects, a sentiment she shared in 2024.
Other Notable Cast Members
- Emma Caulfield Ford (Anya Jenkins): After her fan-favorite role as the vengeance demon Anya, she has continued acting, notably appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series *WandaVision* as Dottie Jones. She also joined the 2024 convention circuit alongside James Marsters.
- Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers): Buffy's younger sister has kept a lower profile, with her most notable post-*Buffy* work being a recurring role on the hit show *Gossip Girl* as Georgina Sparks.
- Seth Green (Oz): The werewolf band member has had a hugely successful career in voice acting, most famously as Chris Griffin on *Family Guy* and as the creator of the Emmy-winning stop-motion show *Robot Chicken*.
The Enduring Legacy: Why the Cast Still Matters Today
The impact of *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* transcends its seven-season run. The show pioneered the use of serialized storytelling and complex female characters, paving the way for modern genre television. The cast’s ability to transition into long-running, successful shows—from *How I Met Your Mother* and *Bones* to *SEAL Team* and *Ted Lasso*—speaks volumes about their talent and versatility.
The frequent cast reunions at conventions in 2024, often featuring combinations of James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Emma Caulfield Ford, and others, demonstrate the continued fan appetite for the *Whedonverse*. As Sarah Michelle Gellar steps back into major genre roles and the possibility of a new *Buffy* series looms, the original *Scooby Gang* is once again at the center of the pop culture conversation, proving that while they may have left Sunnydale, they never truly left the spotlight.
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