- Sources at The Daily Mail reported that Michelle Trachtenberg was “in talks” to star in the Buffy reboot
- Trachtenberg played Dawn Summers on Buffy The Vampire Slayer until 2003
- The actress died on 26 February inside her New York City apartment
Another heartbreaking piece of news has come out about Michelle Trachtenberg. The Daily Mail revealed in an article that she was reportedly “in talks” to return for the upcoming Buffy reboot. Trachtenberg played Buffy Summers’ younger sister Dawn Summers on Buffy The Vampire Slayer for three seasons until 2003. Trachtenberg was found dead on 26 February in her Manhattan apartment by her mother. She was only 39. No official cause of death has been given yet.
Her death has left fans reeling, and her Buffy co-stars have paid tribute to her on social media. Cast members including James Marsters, Emma Caufield, and David Boreanaz have spoken out.
Read More: The Most Iconic Roles Of Michelle Trachtenberg
Gellar revealed the news of the Buffy reboot in early February 2025 with an Instagram post. She vowed to fans she’d do it “right” although no casting news has been announced. Many fans wanted original stars to return alongside Gellar, including Trachtenberg.
Now with news breaking that she was possibly going to return, fans are even more heartbroken. Join us in uncovering the story of whether Trachtenberg was due to return for the Buffy reboot.
Was Michelle Trachtenberg returning in the Buffy reboot?
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question until you ask Gellar herself, but sources told the tabloid that Trachtenberg was returning. A source told The Daily Mail: “Michelle Trachtenberg was in talks to return to Buffy the reboot and she was incredibly hopeful about it.”
The source continued, “Sarah Michelle obviously felt that the reboot would need her as much as it needed Sarah”.
Gellar was confirmed to return when Variety broke the news that the Buffy reboot was “nearing a pilot order” at Hulu on the 3 February. Plot details are scarce, but Gellar was set to play a recurring role as the show would “focus on a new slayer”.
The source noted that amid Trachtenberg’s alleged recent health struggles (which she did not confirm herself) the role may’ve helped her get back into acting. Her lasting acting role was the two episodes where she reprised her Gossip Girl role as Georgina Sparks in the HBO reboot.
Reports noted that she had recently undergone a liver transplant, which could’ve had complications, but no official medical diagnosis has confirmed or denied that yet.
“It is still in the early stages, but the reboot will feel her void. Fans were hopeful that she would be cast and Michelle expressed interest and excitement at the opportunity,” the source confessed.
How long did Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg know each other?
You may think the actresses met on Buffy, but they met on the long-running soap All My Children. On the show, Gellar played Kendall Hart from 1993 until 1995. From the same year until 1996, Tratctenberg played Lily Montgomery on the ABC soap.
The two became friends from that role and grew even closer when Trachtenberg joined the cast of Buffy in season four until the show’s end.
Has Sarah Michelle Gellar reacted to Michelle Tractenberg’s death?
Unfortunately, Gellar has not spoken out yet about her co-star’s death. Fans have waited for her tribute, but she has not said anything yet. When she does, we will give an update.
