Two generations of genre stars came together for a revealing conversation, and the topic of a certain vampire-slaying legacy couldn't be avoided. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Kathryn Newton, co-stars in the upcoming horror sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, sat down for Collider's Ladies Night, where talk turned to mentorship, artistic courage, and a shared dream project.
Finding a Voice and Lifting Others Up
Reflecting on her legendary career, Gellar opened up about the long journey to finding her own power on set. "It took me years," she admitted, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy for younger actors. "It's important to always advocate for yourself because no one else can advocate for you the way you can." This hard-won wisdom is something she's passionate about passing on.
Newton, for her part, immediately pointed to Gellar as a key source of support in the industry. The mutual admiration was palpable, with Gellar praising Newton's artistic fearlessness. "She's not afraid to take chances," Gellar said. "People use failure like it's a bad word in this business, and I believe failure is just your first attempt in learning."
Newton embraced the label, sharing her philosophy of saying "yes" to opportunities to learn and grow. "I kind of say yes to everything," she laughed, discussing her approach to her varied roles. "Making movies is fun!"
A Slayer's Seal of Approval
The heart of the discussion turned to Gellar's role as a mentor. She expressed a clear mission to protect and guide newer actors, ensuring they have better experiences than she sometimes did. "My phone is always open," Gellar stated, directing her words to Newton and others watching.
Newton found the support surreal, noting how impactful it is when someone you admire sees potential in you. "You just hope that you can do it for someone else one day," she said, hoping to pay the kindness forward.
The Ultimate Fan Casting
The interview's most electrifying moment arrived during a game of "fan casting." When asked to cast each other in any franchise, Gellar's answer was instant and definitive. "Oh, I want Kathryn on Buffy. That's so easy." The iconic Slayer had found her ideal modern-day co-star.
Newton was thrilled by the idea, enthusiastically replying, "I want to do that with you. I want to be in there with you fighting vampires and stuff." While plans for a Buffy revival on Hulu were previously scrapped, Gellar's endorsement fuels fan hopes that the right project could one day bring the Slayer back—perhaps with a new ally by her side.
The full interview delves deeper into their paths in Hollywood and the making of Ready or Not 2. For fans of genre-bending performances, it's a compelling look at the past and future of scream queens, connected by a shared respect and a dream of slaying together.
