Summary

  • The villains that should return in the Buffy reboot include Mr. Trick, The Order of Taraka, and Der Kindestod to add depth and challenge to a modern adaptation.
  • Sweet, Drusilla, and The Master also stand out as top choices for a return due to their unique characteristics, roles, and connections with the protagonist.
  • Ethan Rayne and Glory, powerful foes defeated in the original series, could come back in new forms to further explore fresh directions and expand the show's mythology.

As one of the biggest teen fantasy series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer stands as a pillar of the genre. With its reboot confirmed, speculation over which characters might return continues to grow, raising fan expectations. Featuring some of television’s most iconic figures, Buffy introduced several villains who posed deadly threats and delivered epic arcs, becoming central to the show’s development.

The villains who deserve a return in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot are those who left a direct impact on the story, triggering events that shifted the paths of main characters. With their charisma and unique approaches, these antagonists elevated the stakes through chaos and loss. Even death is not a limitation, since magic and writer creativity can bring familiar faces back to life.

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8 Mr. Trick

One Of Buffy’s Most Entertaining Vampires Who Should Return In The Reboot

Introduced as a vampire who kept up with modern times, Mr. Trick was one of the most dangerous creatures in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Serving his master Kakistos, he was destined to face Faith and eliminate her. Despite disagreeing with his creator’s outdated views, Mr. Trick showed interest in technology and preferred to stay clean, which would be a fresh and timely concept for Buffy’s reboot.

Although he was ultimately killed by Buffy and Faith, the villain could return with a new angle. His essence could even inspire a different character in the reboot. Clever and sharp-tongued, he was a natural strategist who allied with powerful beings to increase his strength, traits that could add depth if he were brought back in Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s modern version.

7 The Order of Taraka

Assassin Society Could Be One Of The Main Villains In The Buffy Reboot

Introduced in the show's second season, the secret society known as The Order of Taraka is among the oldest, featuring both monsters and humans as members. Tasked with eliminating targets using stealth and lethal skill, they were hired by Spike and Drusilla to hunt Buffy through different methods, forcing her to stay alert and evolve as a Slayer.

Although not a singular villain, the organization stands out as one of the threats worthy of returning in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot due to its influence and power. With a variety of deadly members and a long-established legacy, their return could take many forms, even through a subtle reference. As dangerous killers, the Order could pose a serious threat in a modern adaptation.

6 Der Kindestod

One Of The Characters Who Could Return In The Buffy Reboot

With a terrifying appearance, Der Kindestod is responsible for the deaths of numerous innocent children in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Only sick children can see the creature, which kills them in a way that conceals any sign of foul play. Modeled after childhood fears like the boogeyman, Der Kindestod’s origin connects to Buffy’s early years, a detail that could be explored through the new protagonist.

As in the original, this character could symbolize the inner strength and bravery of the lead character. It parallels the episode where Buffy finally defeats him, showcasing her growth as both a person and Slayer. Resembling classic horror monsters, he could be one of the best additions to the reboot, considering his background and thematic weight.

5 Sweet

One Of The Most Unusual Villains In Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Starring in the show’s musical episode, Sweet is a demon who forces victims to reveal their darkest secrets through song. This creative approach makes him a great candidate for the reboot, offering a unique and comedic tone. Such a return could become one of the most distinctive episodes, especially when balanced against the show’s darker and more dramatic themes.

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Additionally, the original series never shows his death. After exposing Buffy and her friends’ hidden truths, Sweet simply leaves after spreading chaos. This makes his return easy to justify. His theatrical and chaotic nature would make Sweet one of the best characters to return in the reboot of the supernatural series.

4 Ethan Rayne

One Of The Most Powerful Magic Users In Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Although actor Robin Sachs has passed away, Ethan Rayne could return with a new appearance or as a successor in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. With his deep knowledge of dark magic and demonology, he remained a serious threat to Buffy and her friends, even after death, raising a zombie army and being killed by Angel once again.

Despite his defeat, Ethan is a powerful sorcerer who could use magic to return in a new form. This would allow the show to explore fresh directions for the character. Whether as a dangerous enemy or an unlikely ally, his expertise in the arcane makes him a strong addition to any potential reboot storyline.

3 Drusilla

The Vampire’s Instability Made Her A Buffy Fan Favorite

Unstable and cursed to live eternally as a vampire, Drusilla became one of the most tragic characters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As a villain who truly deserves a return in the reboot, her comeback would be among the best additions to this new phase, especially considering her deep connections with key characters, and her role as a primary antagonist to Buffy.

By the series' end, as new potential Slayers are activated, Drusilla could bridge this new era with her own past, when Slayers were rare. With her clairvoyant powers, she could pose an even greater threat to a new Slayer, given her experience battling Buffy and her allies in the original series. Her complex history makes her a strong candidate for a return.

2 The Master

One Of The Greatest Villains In Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Regarded as one of the most powerful vampires in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Master stands as the oldest creature in the universe, equally unmatched in strength. As leader of the Order of Aurelius, who worshipped the Old Ones and sought their return, he aimed to bring about humanity’s destruction. Driven by prophecy, his destiny was to kill the protagonist.

Although defeated, The Master could return in a new form, offering a direct link to the original series and pleasing fans by reappearing in one of the show’s most important storylines. With his intimidating presence and his role in the creation of many other vampires, The Master remains one of the top choices for a return in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.

1 Glory

The Villain Who Most Deserves To Return In The Buffy The Vampire Slayer Reboot

As the main antagonist of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s fifth season, Glory is the most powerful villain in the series. Seeking to return to her original dimension, she shares a body with a human, Ben, which weakens her powers. Eventually, she regains her strength and becomes a major threat to Buffy and her friends, feeding on human minds to survive.

Although she was defeated by the season’s end, Glory could return in the reboot with a new direction. One of her comebacks already occurred in season seven, even if briefly. With a complex origin that expands the show’s mythology, she stands out as the villain who most deserves a second chance in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer Poster
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Release Date
1997 - 2003
Network
The WB
Showrunner
Joss Whedon
Directors
Joss Whedon
Writers
Joss Whedon
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    Sarah Michelle Gellar
    Buffy Summers
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    Nicholas Brendon
    Alexander Harris

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
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Seasons
7
Story By
joss whedon