Survivor: BtVS Cast--Who will make it after it ends?

[Willowlicious]

If BtVS does indeed end after Season 7 when the current contracts expire, what do you think the future holds for all the show's actors? Do you care? For example, will you follow Amber Benson's career closely forever more, or is her work as Tara the only thing that interests you? (I know that we have some devout W/T only folks, and some who love Aly or Amber or both.) Which members of the cast do you think have the best chance of a lengthy career? It's always interesting to me to see who forges ahead after a long run on a successful TV show and who doesn't. Sometimes it's easy to predict who will have a solid future (Patrick Stewart will always find work whether he chews scenery or not) and who won't (I hope Marina Sirtis invests her Trek X salary wisely). There are always surprises (why do people continue to hire Shannen Doherty?).

So, will Nick Brendon be stuck doing Psycho Beach Party 6? Will SMG finally get a part in a successful film that doesn't involve screaming, a meat hook or an animated dog? Will Amber get a big breakthrough film role of her own or will she be seduced by the director's chair? Will Tony Head be content to spend his days on the BBC and forget all about America? Will James Marsters ever get the attention he derserves? Will Aly choose television or film or both? What about Michelle Trachtenberg?

I have some definite opinions (starting with the belief that this cast is much more talented and proven than most and will therefore have a higher success rate), but I know I'm a bit more of an actor-phile than some folks around here, so I'll spare you until I see if anyone even cares. But I'd really like to hear some of your opinions.

Edited for typos.

[This message has been edited by Willowlicious (edited January 17, 2002).]

[MadProphet]

I think it's a no brainer that the three leading ladies will ALWAYS have work. Alyson has shown her range in both television and film and there's no question that she can only become a bigger star. After listning to the commentary on the Buffy Season One DVD, i'd say that SMG has a very bright future ahead of her. Joss says that her instics are dead on and she knows immediately when a scene isn't working right. That kind of ability is sadly lacking in many big "stars". Amber is, apparently, the easiest person to get along with on any set anywhere so that alone could keep her working but I think the directors chair will call to her and she'll go the way of Ron Howard.

[EricAlan69]

I really think that Alyson will be the most succesful alumnus of BtVS. I think she's an incredible actress, and has a wider range than some people give her credit for.

SMG will probably continue to bounce back and forth between film and tv, and (IMHO) if she stays away from future projects with her betrothed, she'll be a *lot* better off! :-)

Michelle Trachtenberg- I honestly can't tell which way she'll go yet. If she does some different things, I think she'll do really well, but she hasn't really had too much of a chance to stretch her skills this season on BtVS.

I'd like to see Nicky B. in something besides Buffy and Psycho Beach Party, and Mr. Marsters in something bigger than that two-second bit in 'House On Haunted Hill.'

ASH can probably write his own ticket, because he's so naturally talented, and the same goes for Amber.

Hmmmm....

e.

[Wolfie]

Really interesting question - one I often ponder. I think a lot of it has to do with the actors themselves, and how they continue to perceive the business around them - whether they persist, or do a Gillian Anderson (Please, please, Gillian - leave the rubble of that once fine series behind and hoik out your acting chops again - I loved The House of Mirth). Hense my suspicion that Tony Head will now be found mostly on the Beeb, etc and treading the boards. I might be wrong, but it may be the last time he's really seen outside the UK.

As for Nick Brendon, I think he will possibly stick with telly. It's either that, or Dumb and Dumber without the production values (not good).

And as for our own Aly and Amber (and I'm gonna lump the other women in here, too), I think the future's the most uncertain. They are all immensely talented. They all have certain qualities that could lead to them being real successful, but it depends upon one thing - having the right film (which, let's face it, is how most people seem to measure success in a career of this type) come along at the right time. I, for one, think Aly could make a career out of the romantic Meg-Ryan-type comedy, but how many When Harry Met Sally's come along - and most films of that ilk are piss-poor. Meg's cornered the market, so that leaves the sort of mawkish, awful things you seem to see Jennifer Aniston turning up in from time to time. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I would like to see her - indeed all of them - getting their teeth into something much more difficult, but that could make or break them in one stroke, if it doesn't work. I would love to see how Aly and Amber and the rest would measure up to someone like Jodie Foster, who, really hasn't had the career she deserves either (yet again - why do women have it so hard - you don't have to answer that one), despite being lauded at every turn. But they might not get the opportunity. I really hope they do.

So, I think it's a case of just popping that single round into the six shooter, pressing the muzzle against your temple, squeezing your eyes shut, holding your breath and pulling the trigger.

Whatever - I wish them all the bestest bestington luck (and that's the best kind).

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*Sings*
Oh, you can tell, by the rapture on my face,
That synthetic fur makes for a sensual embrace!

[Fuzz]

Here's come quick thought.

I don't know much about MT but I've seen her since Harriet,the spy ( I love this film so much ) It's like six years ago and she's still around now.So,I think she has good path waiting ahead.

I think SMG wouldn't miss a bright career ahead for sure.All she needs is some powerful roles to expand her great acting ability,ya know

and Alyson too.She's such a great actress,she could act comedy ( some say that in American Pie2 she's the one with best acting there,I agree.She's such a scene stealer.) also,she do bitchy role well ( and me think she's very sexy ) and she's so good with dramatic scene too.So I only wish that she will choose good movie,ya know,I didn't like Hayley Wagner Star as Jenna that much But afterall,she's done pretty well.Beside she's so famous now.No worry here. Go HANNIGAN!

Amber,...my god! Amber has such an ambition and ability.Apparently,her works are the ones I love the most.She did lots of indie films.She has writing and directing skills too.She has her own projects.She works in many kind of media project in different roles.She's so passionate in her works.So,she's pretty cool for this all.I could see she hold the big director chair in the future.Have million Cannes awards or something

In my part,I think I'll follow Aly and Amber works forever cuz,I'm a fan,of course!I'll follow til the end!!!

More later!
*Fuzz*

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And when somebody knows you well
Well there's no comfort like that
And when somebody needs you
Well there's no drug Iike that.
Nothing heals me like you do...

~Heather Nova~

[This message has been edited by Fuzz (edited January 17, 2002).]

[Willowlicious]

quote:

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Originally posted by Wolfie:
I, for one, think Aly could make a career out of the romantic Meg-Ryan-type comedy...

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Oh my god, Wolfie! I can't believe you said that! I've had a personal theory for quite some time that Aly is a Meg-Ryan-type and could really make a mark in romantic comedies, but I was afraid I was the only one! Aly is breathtakingly "cute" just like Meg is and shares a similar indefinable charm with her. You're right, though, "When Harry Met Sally"-type successes are difficult to mimic (even if you're Meg Ryan) and I have a feeling few casting directors see enough "romantic comedy lead" potential in Aly to give her the chance. I'd love to see her take a few good "adult" supporting roles in some solid dramas to build up her feature career. It's always better to have small role in a good/great film than the lead in a bomb! I can also see her as the lead of a drama series. She has enough clout to lead a series right now. She'll be stuck in supporting roles for quite a while in film. Aly is pushing 30 and, to me, is starting to really look older (in a good way!) on Buffy. Her expressions seem to have more layers and her eyes look deeper and wiser. The reason I mention this is because she looked SO YOUNG (Hello, 15-16!)when the series started even though she was like 21-22 and you had to wonder if her babyish looks would keep her from adult roles. Well, she finally looks like a woman now. She also has the ability to transform herself completely. She can be frumpy or glam or girl-next-door. I think of all the leads, Aly has the most potential to do ANYTHING. She's got awesome talent, unconvential, versatile looks and she's very smart. I'd put my money on her before I'd put it on SMG.

As for SMG, she's definitely talented, but has lacked sound judgement in her film choices. She's a huge star and gifted and very professional, so she'll always have work, but I don't know if she'll make a successful jump to features. She might have to settle for being a big fish in the TV pond. I could be wrong, but I fear that being "Buffy" might work against her in the film world for a long time. I think doing Scooby-Doo was a HORRIBLE idea for someone that supposedly wants to do "adult drama." What was she thinking? Sigh. Making the right choices is going to be the big test for her.

MT is being groomed for bigger things. I think she'll have no problem getting work after BtVS. The question is how far can she take it? Will she successfully cross over adult projects when the time comes? The next few years are critical for her.

Marsters and Caulfield are both very talented, particularly JM. I see them having problems, though. I foresee lots of TV. JM could do anything given the chance, but will he get the chance? Just can't say.

As for Nick, oh boy. I think he might have problems, too. He has great comedic timing and I think he would do well on a sitcom. He does fine with drama and I like him a lot, but I don't know that he has much of a future in film or dramatic series. I just don't see the industry taking him all that seriously. So, I think it's all about finding a good comedy series for him...and maybe the occasional cable movie.

I see ASH getting very comfortable in his homeland again and putting forth no effort to do American projects. We will see him on the BBC and occasionally on A&E mini-series.

Amber. Ah, Amber. She will continue to act in films and may get a few big roles. However, now that she has made her own movie, I think her patience for waiting for the right roles will quickly wear thin if she doesn't find big success fast. She will do more and more on the other side of the camera because she can. Why put up with Hollywood's lame demands when she has the ability to do what SHE wants? She's tasted the power of creative control and may slowly come to realize she prefers writing and/or directing over acting. Just seems like it would fit her personality type. Amber the "auteur." Yep. She will have a long career by virtue of the fact that she has talent and experience in multiple areas. She'll mix and match her way to great success.

Okay, well, I'm just about as good as Wanda with my predictions, so I'll finally shut up.

[This message has been edited by Willowlicious (edited January 17, 2002).]quote:

[kitten scout]

I will definetly follow Aly and Amber's careers no matter what type of film or TV series they decide to do. Or for that matter from which side of the camera they decided to do it from.

[Epicurus]

I think I'll compare them to other actors just to show how I think they'll end up. Plus it's fun to compare people.

Sarah Michelle Gellar - Probably end up having the most successful career. Most like Michelle Pfeiffer. Not "Movie Star" glitzy-glamour famous, but always leading lady material. Possible Oscar nod. Will never get another Emmy.

James Marsters - For some reason Luke Perry.
Ya know, "rebel" tv character that the young (straight)girls crush on. Recognized a lot for their characters hair. I just hope he doesn't end up doing stupid made-for-cable-tv movies a la "The Triangle".
*has nothing to do with the whole Pike/Spike connection*

Nicholas Brendan - Might always be "The goofy guy". Comparable to say… Steve Zahn. I think this because I haven't seen him act in anything different. Maybe Nick is waiting for BTVS to be over before he shows his dramatic acting chops? I could see him in a few, not many, movies after this or perhaps another television series. He's one of those people that could make horrible movies and get away with it.

Michelle Trachtenberg - I have a feeling she'll become fairly famous due to her amazing acting talent. End up like Hilary Swank. Couple television roles, couple movies, then *BLAM* she'll come out of nowhere (to critics, that is) and cause a fury of praise for some outstanding performance she's done.

As for our girls....

Alyson Hannigan - She'll be the actress we'll never get tired of. Kinda like Drew Barrymore. Her career could last forever if she keeps picking the right parts. She'll become extremely bankable.

Amber Benson - I see her doing more ‘behind the scenes’ stuff rather than acting. I don't exactly know where her interests lie but she's a lot like Kevin Smith (don't laugh). He's humor set aside, she really reminds me of him. He does everything. Been in front and behind the camera. Gets his friends involved in his projects, goes out of his way to interact with fans, and works really hard at all his endeavors. All though I really wish she'd stay with acting as we'd all get to see her face more often.

hmm that's all. I don't mean for those comparisons to be insulting in any way. Even the James = Luke thing.

[willow's girl]

I think Aly will go far. She's already had sucess with the American Pie movies, proving she's bankable. On top of that she is incredibly talened with tremendous range and of course the cutest thing I've ever seen.

ASH should do well, on the BBC and possibly on stage.

James is so talented but has never really recieved a fraction of the recognition he deserves. After Buffy, he may well return to theater. He had quite a theater career befor BTVS, though sadly theater doesn't pay nearly as well.

Don't see a lot of future for NB. I really like him, so I hope I'm proved wrong.

SMG is amazing, and if Scooby Doo does well and she gets a few more hits under her belt, she could easily have a thriving movie career.

I see Amber more behind the scenes, writing and directing. I do love to see her onscreen though. Hope I'll be able to see Chance.

[Tabitha]

I think that all of the cast, particularly our girls, are incredibly talented and I will definitely want to see more of all of them when the show ends.
I can see most of the cast doing more TV work and only some managing to maintain a big screen profile.

I think the biggest problem will be the lack of good roles for women of a certain age in Hollywood. I think this has been a sore point with actresses for a long time. I agree that SMG film roles to date have been less than meaty, but when you think about it, there are very few roles for young women other than teen horror flicks. Indie film is different but Amber and Aly are the only two cast members I think would work on less commercial stuff.
Generally speaking you're either the girlfriend or the daughter or the mother. Aside from maybe the big 10 names in Hollywood, there's not much scope for women in mainstream acting roles.
I think that it's obvious which Buffy cast members will be able to rise above all that crap and do their own thing *coughAlyAmbercough*

[GODisTigger]

quote:

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Originally posted by Epicurus:
I don't exactly know where her interests lie but she's a lot like Kevin Smith (don't laugh). He's humor set aside, she really reminds me of him.

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If only she'd make a movie at the Quick Stop. Then I'd be able to die happy.

Dquote:

[Arat sevol Wolliw]

I also think that the entire cast is talented enough to have very successful careers after BTVS. However, I think some will just have a bit more luck. Aly and Sarah are gonna have that big movie blockbuster kinda fame, and I think Amber will have success in whatever she decides to do, directing acting or otherwise. James DESERVES fame. Michelle is a wonderful actress and still has a whole lot of years one her so, we'll see with her! About Nick, me and my friends were talking the other day about how much he reminds us of Bruce Campbell. I would LOVE to see them work together, or even see Nick have a career similair to Bruce's.

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Je. Vous. Dois. DOULEUR! - Willow (Frenchily telling Glory who's boss in Tough Love)

[Kirylyn]

I've read thru all the posts and can't believe no one has said the obvious:

Amber is already doing indy stuff and has proven she can write and direct as well as act.

Bet she could WRITE something for the three of them (Aly, Amber and Sarah) and it would so rock!!

I mean, we'd all go see it, right???

Also, I can see more and more actors going the indy path as "big hollywood" gets more and more homogenized.

Kiry

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[BBOvenGuy]

Amber will definitely continue writing, directing and producing as well as acting - or maybe instead of acting eventually. She may very well have one of those careers where she never gets the big fame or the big bucks, but she has enough success to keep doing whatever she wants. If that happens, I think she'll be very happy, and I say more power to her.

Aly could be a big star in the movies, if she wants to. Or she could do a TV series at the top of the cast instead of at the #2 spot where she is now.

SMG and Michelle Trachtenberg are both on Hollywood's "star" track, but time will tell if they can stay there.

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Remember the Kitten Board Mantra: "Joss is nuts about Tara, Willow/Tara and Amber!"
(...and Marti's rather fond of them, too...)

[Saena]

I definitely see SMG having one of the biggest futures on the screen. I suspect that even if we all suddenly wanted to see no more of her ever (which would never happen) she would still be there, popping up on billboards, movie posters, and magazine covers.
Amber seems like she will carve a path for herself in the directing world, and maybe do some drama, a little comedy, but not much horror. Alyson has already made it with the big stars in Buffy and American Pie and will have secured a place for herself. I can easily see her doing more comedy.

I look forward to following James Marsters' on screen ventures after Buffy. I can't imagine what he'll do, but I know he'll find something good, possibly continuing to occasionally share projects with fellow Buffy castmates.

I have no clue about the futures of Emma Caulfield, Michelle Tratchenburg, or Nicky Brendon. Maybe Michelle and Emma would get into smaller, independent features (I can especially picture MT doing this), and maybe also romantic comedies for Emma, and Nicky will find his place in dramas, or a historical based film? Can anyone see that?

As for Tony Head, he could delight all of his Buffy fans by using his theater skills by trying to break into Broadway or off-Broadway. I know all of us would flock to see him.

Also, another question: what will Joss do when Buffy ends, besides other Buffy related endeavors? Do you think he'll stick with horror-dramedy? Do you think he'll hire any Buffy/Angel alumni in his future work? If so, who? And what do you predict for the Angel guys?

[This message has been edited by Saena (edited January 19, 2002).]

[Incarnadine]

Aly might snag a lead on another TV series while still doing the occasional movie or go the full big screen route. She definitely won't be hard up for work.
Amber- I could see as doing alot if indie films (both sides of the camera) and also the occasional big studio release (though probably not typical blockbuster stuff)
SMG- She'll work but she better start making better film choices. If she chooses wisely she could be an A-List star.
Trachtenberg- Short term she'll have plenty of opportunity to do the teen movie scene. She's got a long resume and incredible looks which will open alot of doors until she gets older. I can see her transitioning to older roles gracefully, maybe becoming a Sandra Bullock type actress.
Marsters- For some reason I keep picturing him in a soap.
Brendon- Sitcom material all the way, hopefully he lands a good pilot or he may disappear fast.
Head- Content to do British TV and maybe a bit of Stage.
Caulfield- The toughest to guage. I could see her in almost anything but nothing stands out. Perhaps a bit of stage work, she has a good singing voice and can dance well. Given a chance she could fit in well in any medium but she may be the least known member on Buffy.

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Here's to the women who love me terribly,
May they soon improve.

[crystaline973]

I think that all members of the Buffy cast have a bright future in front of them. I watch them constantly on the show (like every single day), and I'm just amazed by the kind of talent that each of them possesses. I can't say that I think that any of them are bad actors. They're all hard workers...you have to be to be able to pull of the type of show that Btvs is.

Aly is a wonderful actress. She has such an amazing range. She's shown so much genuine emotion on the show. She can pull of anything I think. Comedy, romance, incredible pain.

And Amber, she's just an a great actress all around. And she has so much ambition (ex. Chance). She'll suceed in anything that she sets her mind to.

IMHO, not one of the cast members will just fade away after Btvs. There's so much left for them to do and accomplish. I'll definitely keep up with the cast members other projects.

[Scarecrow]

quote:

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Originally posted by Arat sevol Wolliw:
About Nick, me and my friends were talking the other day about how much he reminds us of Bruce Campbell. I would LOVE to see them work together, or even see Nick have a career similair to Bruce's.

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I bcan see it now:

EVIl DEAD 4
Starring Nicholas Brendon
as Ash Jnr!

Lol, now THAT's a film i'd love to see and you know what, it'd work. I definitly seeing him becoming a cult hero kind of guy if he goes the right way. Low budget films can get a fiar bit of prestige from casting someone from Buffy.

SMG will carry on as she is (Cruel Intentions rocks) and Aly will keep getting bigger as Hollywood realises her amzing range. Amber, i suspect, will stay behind the camera more.

As for Joss; he'll make more new shows, write films and do buffy spin-offs. The futures bright, the futures Joss.

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"Liberate tutemet ex inferis"

"She's my everything"
- Willow

"For some people small beautiful events are what life is all about"
- 5th Doctor

"We all have a Universe of our own terrors to face"
- 7th Doctorquote:

[Saena]

At this point, my sister would like you all to pause and picture Nicholas Brendon in Amish clothing. She obviously read my historical-drama idea but I was thinking more along the lines of Pearl Harbor.

Also, I have begun to picture Michelle Tratchenburg in thrillers. Anyone agree?

P.S. Nicholas Brendon could=Matthew Perry one day!

[Wiccagrrl]

It'll be very interesting to see what happens with these actors post-Buffy. ASH will, I imagine, continue to have a very successful career, although I don't know how much he'll do here in the states. Aly and Eliza, to me, seem most likely to go on to successful movie careers. I can see Amber choosing to do more behind-the-scenes stuff (writing, directing), but hope we'll get to see her in front of the camera as well. And yes, I'd follow all of their post-Buffy careers. MT, EC, and NB I honestly don't know, and frankly would be less likely to follow. I don't dislike them, I just don't have a huge passion for them like I do for Amber and Aly.

Sarah may have the hardest time shedding her Buffy role. I think she may find herself very typecast, which would be a shame. She really is very good actress.

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Tracy

Hear that Baby? You're my always.

[WiccanBex]

quote:

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Originally posted by Wiccagrrl:
Sarah may have the hardest time shedding her Buffy role. I think she may find herself very typecast, which would be a shame. She really is very good actress.

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i dunno... i know that typecasting is often a problem when you play the same role for so long, but it hasn't seemed to be a problem so far for SMG, if you look at the films that she's done.

Cruel Intentions - super bitch (for the majority of the film anyways, gotta admit that i felt sorry for her at the end...)

Scream 2 - so-called "smart" sorority sister who seemed to think that it would be a good idea to run *upstairs* where she would have no hope of escape from the psycho killer who was chasing her instead of running *outside* where she could scream and scream and scream her way to somewhere where there were people, drawing lots of attention to herself, resulting in the retreat of said psycho killer and a long and happy life for cici. (buffy would *never* be that dumb)

I Know What You Did Last Summer - bimbo beauty queen, destined to meet a her grisly death at the hands of a crazy fisherman dude with a hook where his hand should be.

Scooby Doo - well... redhead... she hasn't done *that* before!

lol. i think hollywood realises that she's gotta lotta talent, and she's smart enough to not pick the same role over and over again.

i agree that Amber will probably stay behind the camera. write/direct/produce some more films... hopefully star in them too every now and then so that we're not deprived of her beauty....

Aly will go on to great things - smash-hit movie after smash-hit movie... and she'll *still* be remembered for *that* line...

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"if you throw a stone, something's gonna shatter somewhere. We're all so fragile, we're all so scared."
Convention review sitequote:

[JJ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Saena:
P.S. Nicholas Brendon could=Matthew Perry one day!

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I hope you mean that in a non-pill-popping, car-crashing sort of way.

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Amberholic #1969
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"Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand."
from 'Witch Hunt' by Rushquote:

[EricAlan69]

Someone queried what Joss'll be doing in the future above, and his next project is a sci-fi series set in space called (I *think*) 'Firefly'. I believe the contract is with Fox.

love,

e.