Latest news with #BuffyTheVampireSlayer
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
From Cordelia To Creator: Charisma Carpenter's New Podcast Turns Nostalgia Into Community
Charisma Carpenter greets the audience for the live taping of her podcast "The Bitch Is Back" on July 23, 2025 at Charisma Carpenter's Homecoming event. Matt Monath T he crowd inside New York's The Bowery Hotel Terrace at Charisma Carpenter's Homecoming event erupted in applause as surprise emcee Clare Kramer (Glory on the seminal TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer ) walked through the audience, golden sequin dress winking in the spotlights trained on her progress to the stage. The applause only grew louder when Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and it's spin-off, Angel , entered the room. She greeted fans with hugs and by name as she took center stage. The first live taping of Carpenter's new Buffy and Angel -centric first watch podcast on Patreon, The Bitch Is Back , was under way. In an entertainment landscape defined by franchise reboots, rebrands and influencer overload, The Bitch Is Back stands out as something far rarer. Carpenter is building a direct-to-fan ecosystem by turning decades of fan devotion into something interactive, intimate and entirely her own. Carpenter has been considering the idea of a podcast since 2022. 'It was a gradual ease into it from social media,' she explains. 'There's really so many things that led to building this moment.' During the pandemic, Carpenter built a platform called MyCon, a virtual community for pre-recorded cameos and shout-outs, to sell signed photos and have one-on-one interactions with fans during a time when traditional conventions, which she's been attending for nearly 30 years, were put on pause. Other platforms such as Cameo and were more expensive for fans who didn't get as much time with the stars they wanted to engage with. 'It's always bothered me that you don't get to have time with your fans,' she says. 'People are waiting in line so you want to be respectful and not rush, but you also know they want to have an experience. MyCon was an awesome opportunity.' TikTok brought the idea into sharper focus. She was hesitant to join at first, but with encouragement from a friend she created an account. Responding to a fan comment trying to verify if she was the real deal, she posted her own video confirming, 'Yes it's me! You have to call everyone you've ever met right now and tell them I'm on TikTok!' Her follower count surged to over 120,000 in 24 hours. On TikTok, Carpenter decided to dedicate the platform's content to the Buffyverse because she's able to respond directly to fan questions, although the platform fell short for questions that required more thoughtful, in-depth answers. She needed a home to host longer-form content. Clare Kramer, Charisma Carpenter, Julie Benz and Amber Benson chat during the live taping of The Bitch Is Back podcast. Matt Monath The podcast's name nods to a quote from the Angel episode 'Rm w/a Vu,' where Carpenter's character confronts a ghost haunting her apartment: '...get ready to haul your wrinkly, translucent ass out of this place, 'cause lady, the bitch is back." Carpenter explains in the first episode of her podcast that the term 'bitch' is not derogatory. 'It was in that moment that I realized bitch is not a slur. Bitch is a defining moment of courage and strength and resilience.' When deciding to do the podcast, some things weren't up for discussion. 'It was kind of like a Goldilocks situation,' she remembers, thinking back to contract offers she'd reviewed over the years that were just not the right fit for the project. Then the opportunity came to create this podcast on Patreon. Carpenter still had doubts and asked her fans directly. 'They gave me permission,' she says. 'They've watched it a hundred times, and they wanted to see it through my eyes.' Two of the items on the list of non-negotiables were control over the content and platform. 'It has to be in my voice, I have to run it,' she says. 'Patreon made me the CEO of my vision.' Carpenter plans and writes the episodes and even moderates her own chat forums. Some of the The Bitch Is Back content is limited to paying members only, such as exclusive chats, bonus episodes and preferred seating at events. Because she's so intimately involved in the entire process, she's able to make tweaks along the way from feedback she gleans from her fan interactions. 'I'm in tune with them and I care,' she says. 'I would argue that is why this platform exists. That is why this podcast came to me. Because Patreon understood and respected my relationship with fans.' Patreon is a membership platform with over 300,000 active creators, ranging from podcast hosts to musicians and artists. Creators can earn money through exclusive content for paid members, which can be set to different tiers. The company takes between 5% and 12% of creator's earnings plus payment processing fees. Carpenter charges her army of supporters $7 a month. According to Patreon, the platform will host approximately 30 events this year centered around podcast creators. Charisma Carpenter's Homecoming event was limited to 100 attendees and generated a waitlist. During the live taping of the podcast Carpenter remarked on the packed room, stating that Patreon prepped her ahead of time for the turnout. It's typical to experience a drop off between registrants and actual attendees, though for Charisma Carpenter's Homecoming, there was minimal movement on the waitlist due to turnout. I'm A Slayer, Ask Me How! Buffy and Angel have influenced pop culture for nearly 30 years. The television show, picking up where the 1992 movie left off, first aired on the WB network in March 1997 as a mid-season replacement. In just seven seasons, Buffy has created a new vernacular, spawned college courses and Charisma Carpenter on stage during the live taping of "The Bitch Is Back" podcast on July 23, 2025. Matt Monath merchandise of every flavor from lollipops to prop replicas. The very concept of Buffy set the horror genre on its ear with a blonde cheerleader from California destined to save the world from vampires while also trying to maintain a social life and attend high school. Now streaming on Hulu in the U.S., both shows continue to attract viewers and generate money for the Disney-owned streaming giant. According to Parrot Analytics, a company that measures global audience demand, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has made just over $100 million for the streaming platform since the start of 2020 alone, while Angel has netted just over $20 million in the same time frame. Hulu has also ordered a pilot for a Buffy reboot series, although there isn't a set release date yet. The Buffyverse remains a popular brand magnet for new collaborations, ranging from Adidas apparel to Loungefly bags and collectibles on fandom sites like Box Lunch and Hot Topic. For those looking for something handmade or vintage, Etsy and eBay are an active marketplace with over 56,000 auctions currently up for bid. She's The Slayer. I'm A Homecoming Queen! Attendees to Carpenter's Homecoming were a motley crew of fans—some attended with family members and partners and some came solo. But no one was truly alone. 'I noticed that a lot of people were saying 'I'm coming, but I'll be solo!,' and I thought, we should start a chat for anyone who's coming solo so they can link up,' Carpenter says. The chat has since spawned its own events with NYC locals attending a Buffy trivia event together the following week. For this event, Carpenter enlisted surprise guests from both shows; Clare Kramer (Glory) as emcee with special guests Julie Benz (Darla) and Amber Benson (Tara). After the live taping, a cocktail party was held for attendees who could sample Cordelia-themed cocktails, like the Queen C Cosmo or Hello Salty Goodness Margarita, and passed hors d'oeuvres. A DJ spun Buffy- and Angel -inspired tracks as attendees mingled. The main draw was engaging with the celebrities while Carpenter took photos on an ornate throne and spent time with each guest. One fan, Alex Ngo, 28, wandered the event with a huge smile on his face, mingling with guests and stars alike. His mother introduced him to Buffy 10 years ago, and has since passed away. Now he watches Buffy to feel close to her, and it's become one of his favorite television shows. Clare Kramer, Julie Benz, Charisma Carpenter, Gregory Littley and Amber Benson pose for a quick photo at the party. Matt Monath The celebrities posed for photos, shared laughs and created community. During the taping, Benson addressed the fan base surrounding the Buffyverse saying that it was different from other 90's shows because it not only had the nostalgia but gave permission to those who felt like they didn't fit in to be different—and still fit in. Benson's sentiments echo Carpenter's views. 'That's the point,' she says. 'To make such a community out of this that it tells the community that this is a safe place where you are seen and heard.'
Geek Tyrant
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Kingston Vernes Joins the Cast of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Reboot at Hulu — GeekTyrant
Actor Kingston Vernes ( The Survivor ) has been cast in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, which has been given a pilot order at Hulu. He will be a guest star in the pilot, with the character envisioned as a major recurring if the project goes to series. He joins Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who stars as the new slayer — an introverted high-school student named Nova — in the untitled Buffyverse offshoot, which Sarah Michelle Gellar executive produces in addition to reprising her signature role as Buffy Summers. Vernes will play Carson, a Junior Olympian and popular student at New Sunnydale Academy who is the object of Nova's (Armstrong) crush and starts noticing her after a life-changing event. In addition to Armstrong and Gellar, Vernes joins previously cast series regulars Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Sarah Bock, Daniel Di Tomasso and Jack Cutmore-Scott. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao is directing the pilot, written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. Are you looking forward to this return to the Buffy universe? via: Deadline
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Casting News: Buffy Reboot Adds Love Interest, Book of Mormon Reunion and More
Hulu's Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot pilot has cast Kingston Vernes (The Survivor) in the potentially recurring role of Carson. According to Deadline, Vernes will play Carson, 'a junior Olympian and popular student at New Sunnydale Academy' who takes notice of new slayer Nova (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) following a life-altering event. More from TVLine Meet the Buffy Reboot's New Slayer: Ryan Kiera Armstrong to Play The Chosen One Opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot Adds 5 — Including Severance and Frasier Vets The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox Trailer: Grace Van Patten Stars as the Accused Killer in Hulu's Docudrama He joins an ensemble that already includes Sarah Bock (Severance), Ava Jean (Law & Order: SVU), Faly Rakotohavana (UnPrisoned), Jack Cutmore-Scott (Frasier), Daniel di Tomasso (Major Crimes) and original slayer Sarah Michelle Gellar, who will executive-produce and reprise her iconic role in a recurring capacity. In other casting news… * Book of Mormon co-stars Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells will executive-producer and star in a series adaptation of the 1992 cult classic Stay Tuned, which is currently in development at Hulu. According to Deadline, the TV take will find the duo 'trapped on the wrong side of the screen and forced to navigate their way through TV's most binge-worthy obsessions.' * Andrea Savage (I'm Sorry, Tulsa King) is set to write, develop and star in the Fox comedy Perf, Deadline reports. The potential multi-cam is described as an ensemble piece reflecting Savage's 'aspirational, edgy, real life-based voice, and her ability to tap into the humor of being an adult.' * Netflix's 3 Body Problem has made the following Season 2 additions, per Deadline: Claudia Doumit (The Boys) has been cast as Captain Van Rijn, while Ellie De Lange (Wolf Hall) will play Ayla. Hit the comments with your thoughts on the castings above! Best of TVLine Stars Who Almost Played Other TV Roles — on Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Lost, Gilmore Girls, Friends and Other Shows TV Stars Almost Cast in Other Roles Fall TV Preview: Who's In? Who's Out? Your Guide to Every Casting Move! Solve the daily Crossword
Geek Girl Authority
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Reboot Brings Kingston Vernes on Board
Featured image credit: Martin Linss Highlights Kingston Vernes is the latest to join the cast of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, specifically the pilot episode at Hulu. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Vernes will play Carson, Nova's (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) crush. Sarah Michelle Gellar will reprise her iconic role as Buffy Summers in the pilot. Buffy the Vampire Slayer The cast for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot continues to expand, and Sunnydale is the better for it. Kingston Vernes is the latest addition to the roster, taking up the role of Carson. For now, the reboot only has a pilot order. Vernes will appear in a guest capacity with the potential of a promotion to a major recurring role should the streamer pick up the series. RELATED: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot in the Works at Hulu Carson attends New Sunnydale Academy with Nova, the new slayer at the center of the reboot, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. He's your typical popular kid and Junior Olympian. Nova, who's described as an introverted student, carries a torch for him. However, he eventually begins to notice Nova following a life-changing event. Kingston Vernes Vernes is most known for playing Alan Haft in the 2021 boxing docudrama The Survivor opposite Ben Foster and Danny DeVito. His other credits include the 2021 short film Champ as Jake, 2022's So Cold the River as Lucas and the David Fincher feature Mank as a young Herman Mankiewicz. RELATED: New TV Shows This Week (July 27 – August 2) The Cast and Crew The rest of the cast thus far includes Ava Jean as Larkin, Faly Rakotohavana as Hugo, Sarah Brock as Gracie, Daniel Di Tomasso as Abe and Jack Cutmore-Scott as Mr. Burke. Could Mr. Burke be a Giles-type Watcher character? Sarah Michelle Gellar will reprise her iconic role as Buffy Summers and serve as an executive producer. She'll also recur in the series. Chloé Zhao is at the helm for the pilot with a script by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. We learned that the writers' room will open in March to pen more episodes should Hulu greenlight a series order. Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: BUFFY SUMMERS Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Casting News: Buffy Reboot Adds Love Interest, Book of Mormon Reunion and More
Hulu's Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot pilot has cast Kingston Vernes (The Survivor) in the potentially recurring role of Carson. According to Deadline, Vernes will play Carson, 'a junior Olympian and popular student at New Sunnydale Academy' who takes notice of new slayer Nova (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) following a life-altering event. More from TVLine Meet the Buffy Reboot's New Slayer: Ryan Kiera Armstrong to Play The Chosen One Opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot Adds 5 — Including Severance and Frasier Vets Watson Casts Sherlock Holmes: Robert Carlyle to Play the Iconic Detective in Season 2 He joins an ensemble that already includes Sarah Bock (Severance), Ava Jean (Law & Order: SVU), Faly Rakotohavana (UnPrisoned), Jack Cutmore-Scott (Frasier), Daniel di Tomasso (Major Crimes) and original slayer Sarah Michelle Gellar, who will executive-produce and reprise her iconic role in a recurring capacity. In other casting news… * Book of Mormon co-stars Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells will executive-producer and star in a series adaptation of the 1992 cult classic Stay Tuned, which is currently in development at Hulu. According to Deadline, the TV take will find the duo 'trapped on the wrong side of the screen and forced to navigate their way through TV's most binge-worthy obsessions.' * Andrea Savage (I'm Sorry, Tulsa King) is set to write, develop and star in the Fox comedy Perf, Deadline reports. The potential multi-cam is described as an ensemble piece reflecting Savage's 'aspirational, edgy, real life-based voice, and her ability to tap into the humor of being an adult.' * Netflix's 3 Body Problem has made the following Season 2 additions, per Deadline: Claudia Doumit (The Boys) has been cast as Captain Van Rijn, while Ellie De Lange (Wolf Hall) will play Ayla. Hit the comments with your thoughts on the castings above! Best of TVLine Stars Who Almost Played Other TV Roles — on Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Lost, Gilmore Girls, Friends and Other Shows TV Stars Almost Cast in Other Roles Fall TV Preview: Who's In? Who's Out? Your Guide to Every Casting Move!
