Fran Rubel Kuzui’s often-maligned “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” took a very different direction from what its writer, Joss Whedon, intended, which ultimately led Whedon to create a more critically acclaimed television series of the same name. That being said, Kuzui’s movie is not without its merits.
Before Sarah Michelle Gellar ever picked up a stake, the comedy horror vampire movie starred Kristy Swanson as the eponymous Buffy Summers. Buffy is a cheerleader at Hemery High School in Los Angeles who discovers she has been chosen as “the Slayer,” imbued with supernatural physical abilities, and destined to hunt and kill vampires and the forces of evil.
Swanson’s support comes from the likes of Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens, Rutger Hauer, and Luke Perry — which makes it obvious why it’s still appealing, despite its critical panning.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was released on July 31, 1992, meaning it will celebrate its 34th anniversary this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be great to see how its cast are looking today, compared to back when the film hit theaters? Let’s do precisely that…
Kristy Swanson (Buffy Summers)
GettyThe effervescent Kristy Swanson played Buffy Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Buffy is a bubbly cheerleader who discovers she’s the latest in a long line of young girl chosen to fight evil.
Age when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” released: 22.
Selected movie credits before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Pretty in Pink (1986), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Hot Shots! (1991).
Above is a 2026 social media post by Kristy Swanson with a recent picture of her (L) and her husband, former Canadian pairs skater Lloyd Eisler.
Age now: 56.
Selected movie credits after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: The Phantom (1996), Big Daddy (1999), Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Donald Sutherland (Merrick Jamison-Smythe)
GettyCanadian acting icon Donald Sutherland played Merrick Jamison-Smythe in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Merrick is a mysterious figure and Buffy’s grizzled watcher who finds her and trains her to carry out her Slayer duties.
Age when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” released: 57.
Selected movie credits before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: The Dirty Dozen (1967), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), JFK (1991).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2024 aged 88.
Selected movie credits after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: The Mechanic (2011), The Hunger Games (2012), Ad Astra (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Luke Perry (Oliver Pike)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Luke Perry in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Former teen idol Luke Perry played Oliver Pike (known simply as “Pike”) in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Pike is a rebellious and motorcycle-riding slacker who becomes Buffy’s (initially reluctant) love interest and evil-fighting ally.
Age when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” released: 25.
Selected movie credits before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Scorchers (1991).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2019 aged 52.
Selected movie credits after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: The Fifth Element (1997), Redemption Road (2010), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Rutger Hauer (Lothos)
GettyDutch actor Rutger Hauer played Lothos in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Lothos is an ancient and powerful vampire lord, and the movie’s main antagonist, who leads an army of vampires to take over Los Angeles.
Age when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” released: 48.
Selected movie credits before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Blade Runner (1982), The Hitcher (1986), The Legend of the Holy Drinker (1988).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2019 aged 75.
Selected movie credits after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Batman Begins (2005), Hobo with a Shotgun (2011), Dracula 3D (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Paul Reubens (Amilyn)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Paul Reubens in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Pee-wee Herman himself, Paul Reubens, played Amilyn in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Amilyn is the flamboyant, loyal, and hilariously over-the-top vampire henchman of Lothos.
Age when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Flight of the Navigator (1986), Batman Returns (1992).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2023 aged 70.
Selected movie credits after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Matilda (1996), The Smurfs (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
David Arquette (Benny Jacks)
Above is a social media post with a picture of David Arquette in 1991.
Actor, producer, and former professional wrestler David Arquette played Benny Jacks in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Benny is Pike’s best friend who becomes the victim of a vampire, turning into one himself, early in the movie.
Age when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” released: 20.
Selected movie credits before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 54.
Selected movie credits after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Scream (1996), Eight Legged Freaks (2002), Bone Tomahawk (2015).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Hilary Swank (Kimberly Hannah)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Hilary Swank in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Double Academy Award winner and occasional producer Hilary Swank played Kimblerly Hannah in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Kimberly is a relatively minor character and one of Buffy Summers’ cheerleader friends.
Age when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” released: 18.
Selected movie credits before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: N/A.
Above is a 2025 social media post by Hilary Swank with several recent pictures of her.
Age now: 51.
Selected movie credits after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: The Next Karate Kid (1994), Boys Don’t Cry (1999), Million Dollar Baby (2004).
Filmography info per IMDb.
With “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” set to be resurrected (much like its eponymous creatures), there’s never been a better time to revisit where it all started.
Sure, the movie isn’t the greatest thing you’ll ever see, but it’s worth watching for its great cast and Kristy Swanson’s game performance in the leading role.
It’s great to see some cast members are still thriving, but also sad that so many are no longer with us.
May Donald Sutherland, Luke Perry, Rutger Hauer, and Paul Reubens rest in eternal peace.
