Kathryn Newton Pays Tribute to Sarah Michelle Gellar in Ready or Not 2

In the upcoming horror sequel *Ready or Not 2: Here I Come*, actress Kathryn Newton has incorporated a homage to Sarah Michelle Gellar's iconic character, Buffy Summers, from the cult classic *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*. The film is set to premiere in theaters on March 20, 2026, following its debut at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. Gellar, who starred as Buffy from 1997 to 2003, shared insights about this tribute during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

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Gellar revealed that Newton brought a picture of Buffy’s outfit from the pilot episode, "Welcome to the Hellmouth," which aired on March 10, 1997. The outfit features a blue button-down top over a white tank top, paired with a messy updo and wispy bangs. Gellar noted, “What’s really funny is I didn’t know any of this,” highlighting the surprise element of the tribute. During their first scene together, Gellar recognized the resemblance and remarked, “You know, your outfit reminds me of something,” to which Newton responded affirmatively.

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In *Ready or Not 2: Here I Come*, the narrative continues from the first film, where Grace, played by Samara Weaving, confronts her estranged sister Faith, portrayed by Newton. The sisters must navigate a dangerous encounter with a new group of wealthy killers, which includes characters played by Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand, Olivia Cheng, and David Cronenberg, with Elijah Wood appearing as the lawyer for a satanic cult.

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Sarah Michelle Gellar expressed her admiration for the homage, emphasizing the significance of passing the torch to a new generation of actresses. She noted the importance of the character of Buffy in pop culture and how it continues to inspire new interpretations.

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While the tribute has been well-received by fans of the original series, some critics have raised concerns about the reliance on nostalgia in contemporary horror films. They argue that such tributes may overshadow original storytelling and character development.

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As anticipation builds for the film's release, fans of both *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and the *Ready or Not* franchise are eager to see how the homage plays out on screen. The film's debut at SXSW is expected to generate further discussion about the legacy of Gellar's character and its impact on modern horror cinema.

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• “What’s really funny is I didn’t know any of this,” — Sarah Michelle Gellar, Actress

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• “And then I’m in the first scene with her, and I was like, ‘You know, your outfit reminds me of something.’ And she was like, ‘Does it?’ And so, I have a great side-by-side. Yeah, the hairdo is exactly the same.” — Sarah Michelle Gellar, recalling her interaction with Kathryn Newton.

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