Sarah Michelle Gellar was undoubtably the queen of popular television and cinema in the 90s. From becoming a household name with the hit series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to playing the sensual and sinister Kathryn Merteuil in the Cruel Intentions film franchise, Gellar cemented her place as one of the most bankable female stars of her generation.
Years later, the star was called upon once again to reprise her iconic role for a Cruel Intentions reboot series produced by NBC. Gellar though, was unable to relate to the modern aesthetics that were brought to the table, which ultimately led to the show getting cancelled. The Buffy actor was also steadfast in her belief that her character cannot have a redemptive arc.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Cannot See Positive Change In Her Cruel Intentions Character
Years after becoming a huge sensation following her iconic villainous turn in Cruel Intentions, Sarah Michelle Gellar is still holding onto the memories of her complex character Kathryn Merteuil. Despite being called back to film a pilot episode of a reboot series produced by NBC, the celebrity was critical of the decision and questioned the relevance of the show and the characters in the modern context. Speaking to New York Times, Gellar also firmly negated the possibility of her character having anything but negative shades, when questioned if there was hope for her to change.
“No. I think that not everything in life gets wrapped up with a happy bow. There was never going to be a happy ending because I don’t think she would allow herself to have it.”
Gellar though, went on to add that the youngsters of today were mentally tuned to happy endings in stories. She lauded their positive outlook to try and manifest narratives of this nature.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Character In Do Revenge Was A Grown-Up Kathryn Merteuil
Sarah Michelle Gellar, now in her mid 40s, came back to films with a bang after taken a few years off. The 90s superstar had a full circle moment when she got to play shades of her famous character in Cruel Intentions, Kathryn Merteuil. Gellar, who plays a morally bankrupt principal of a school in the film, revealed that she was offered the script by director Jennifer Robinson who was a fan of Cruel Intentions. When asked by New York Times if she worked on her role in Do Revenge as an extension of her cult character Kathryn Merteuil, the Possession star replied,
“Absolutely. I always say, I wonder what Kathryn’s doing now? Who does that person become? But we really wanted her to be a champion of women, too. She is building women up for what you have to face as a female”.
Gellar also stated that she would have killed to play this part even in her 20s but was grateful to have been offered this opportunity at an age where she could bring maturity and nuance to the character.
Source: New York Times
