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Buffy star addresses Doctor Who return despite Russell T Davies' blunt four-word response

Buffy star addresses Doctor Who return despite Russell T Davies' blunt four-word response

Wales Online16-05-2025

Buffy star addresses Doctor Who return despite Russell T Davies' blunt four-word response
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star formerly appeared in Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood.
James Marsters starred opposite John Barrowman in Torchwood
James Marsters, renowned for his role as vampire Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has disclosed his eagerness about potentially re-entering the Doctor Who universe.
The actor, who's looking forward to the Buffy revival featuring Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the newest slayer, expressed his appreciation for Torchwood in an exclusive interview with Reach.

The new chapter of Buffy will also see a return of Sarah Michelle Gellar in her famed role and behind the scenes as an Executive Producer, with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao at the helm for the initial pilot episode.

Despite being iconic for his portrayal in Buffy, avid Doctor Who followers distinctly remember Marsters for his part as Captain John Hart in the spin-off, Torchwood, in the explosive episode Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.
Season 2's opening instalment unveiled Captain John, a past lover and associate of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), and it was a role written specifically with Marsters in mind.
James Marsters played Captain John Hart in Torchwood
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Presently, Marsters has spoken on the prospect of joining the latest series of Doctor Who, having formerly made an appearance in its sister show, reports Surrey Live.
He revealed: 'I actually asked Russell (T Davies) about this, if I could come on Doctor Who, and he said, 'No way in hell.'
Chuckling at the blunt four-word response, Marsters continued: 'I was like, 'Why?' And he said 'You're too naughty. Your character is way too naughty for Who. Torchwood was my four goals only treatment of the Who Universe. And then Doctor Who has a wide audience.

'[He said]: 'Both adults and children are watching that, and your character's way too edgy for it.' And I said, 'So don't make me so naughty.' And he said, 'There would be nothing left of your character if we did that! All your character has is naughty, that's the whole point.'
'So that's what he said back when we were filming Torchwood,' Marsters added.
'But if he ever changed his mind I would love to be Captain John again. That was a really fun character, and I think we offended all the right people with Torchwood, so that would be fun to do again.'

James Marsters played Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Reflecting on the mischievous roles he often finds himself in, Marsters pondered: "It's the kind of role that anybody would love to play. That's the best role and I just have to pinch myself that it has kind of been my brand.
"I kind of play the jerk who will be there for you in the end," he elaborated. "That's kind of the Han Solo character, you know?

"I didn't fall into the Luke Skywalker kind of thing where he's just good all the time - and everybody wants to be Han Solo!
"When you were kid, everyone wanted the Star Wars Han Solo blaster and, if you were Luke that's good too, but everyone actually just wants to be Han Solo," he added with a laugh.
Regarding the Buffy revival, Marsters remained tight-lipped, but did comment: "I think the world needs Buffy Summers. The world needs that message maybe more than ever.
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"And I think that it's wonderful that Sarah is willing to come back and deliver that message again."
All seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are available to stream now on ITVX.

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