Buffy Summers

Buffy Anne Summers is the title character in the movie Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the television show of the same name (though it should be noted that, being different interpretations of an original concept, these are actually two seperate entities, as explained below). The character was introduced in the financially unsuccessful movie in which she was played by Kristy Swanson. She gained popularity after being transferred to the small screen where she was played by Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Creative Origins

One main creative factor that is repeatedly brought up when discussing the character, and by Buffy's creator, Joss Whedon, himself, is her function as a symbol - regardless of character traits, Whedon has often affirmed in interviews that his basic idea for the show, and the defining concept for character of Buffy herself, was that of inversing the stereotype of the traditional horror movie victim as a blonde, helpless, dumb young woman, by having her strike back on her opponents. This is the defining trait of the evolution of Buffy Summers as a character and of the themes of the show centered on her.

Related Topics:
Joss Whedon - Horror movie

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Regarding influences present in her creative origins, Buffy is, in part, modeled after Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) of Marvel Comics' X-Men, showing much of the character's spunk and at the same time, doubts as to her willingness to pursue a "super-hero" lifestyle and take on the responsibilities and perils it envolves, as well as the detachment from a normal life. Whedon has commented in interviews that many others of his female characters share some of Kitty's traits, and that she was one of his favourite X-Men in adolescence.

Related Topics:
Shadowcat - Marvel Comics - X-Men - Super-hero

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