Will the Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel address Willow’s true sexuality? Possibilities explored

With changing times and a fresh creative team, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel has the perfect chance to revisit Willow Rosenberg’s s*xuality with the nuance it deserves. Whether she returns as a full-fledged character or is simply referenced in passing, the show could finally acknowledge the complexity of her identity, which was something the original series only hinted at. Based on this? The short answer? It just might.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of any organization or individual. This analysis is solely based on interpretations of the series' narrative and character arcs.

Witch way will Willow go?

When Buffy the Vampire Slayer first aired in 1997 and wrapped up in 2003, Willow Rosenberg had already etched her name into TV history. Not just as the sweet, shy witch of the Scooby Gang, but as a groundbreaking queer icon. Her relationship with Tara gave us the one of first-ever televised lesbian kisses in the U.S. and later, the first lesbian s*x scene on primetime TV. But was that the full story? With the sequel on the horizon, fans are left wondering if the show will finally explore the parts of Willow’s identity that were left in the shadows.

Although Willow's journey was revolutionary, it did not resolve all of the concerns that remained. Was her shift from dating Oz to loving Tara entirely a reflection of her coming-of-age, or was it an oversimplification to fit the era's limited portrayal of women's s*xuality? The sequel might just be the key to unlocking these nuances, allowing Willow to exist beyond the binaries that defined her in the original series.

From spells to labels: Willow’s queer evolution

Willow started out as Sunnydale’s resident wallflower, crushing on Xander and dating Oz, the lovable werewolf. But everything changed when she met Tara. Their relationship wasn’t just groundbreaking, it was magical, literally. Witchcraft became the perfect metaphor for Willow’s s*xual awakening. But here’s the twist: as soon as Willow and Tara got together, the show reportedly labeled Willow as gay, sidelining her past relationships with men. Joss Whedon later admitted:

“If I did it now, Willow would identify as bis*xual rather than gay.”

However, television wasn't prepared for such adaptability in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

While "gay" is generally used as an umbrella term, the era's uneasiness with female queerness is shown by the unwillingness to clearly identify Willow as a lesbian. It appeared like there was an even bigger reluctance to talk about bis*xuality, which put Willow's identity in a questionable place.

This approach reveals deeper prejudices in our society, where bis*xuality was completely dismissed and lesbian identities were frequently shunned.

Biphobia, be gone? — The sequel’s chance to set things right

Willow’s sudden shift from straight to gay didn’t sit right with everyone. It felt like her attraction to men, especially her deep relationship with Oz, was brushed off as a “phase.” The sequel now has the perfect opportunity to revisit this and give Willow’s s*xuality the nuance it deserves. The show might finally establish that Willow isn't defined by a single label, whether it's through flashbacks, incidental references, or even new relationships. Similar omissions have begun to be rectified by other series; for example, the most recent Scott Pilgrim anime adaptation appropriately dealt with Ramona's bis*xuality, which had been mislabeled as a phase in the comics and the film.

Acknowledging Willow as bis*xual would be a strong statement about the progress in media portrayal, not only suggesting it. It would validate the feelings of viewers who related to Willow's early interactions but felt alienated when the show's trajectory took an unexpected turn. The sequel has a chance to show that characters can grow without losing their history, so offering a means of reconciliation.

Not to mention the episode where Tara's family sought to "convert her," in order to "fix" her with a subdued allegory to reflect actual efforts at conversion therapy. This scary undercurrent emphasizes the risks of eradicating or simplifying one's s*xuality (and gender identities). Hence it is even more crucial for the sequel to address these issues with the care and complexity they so merit.

Slaying stereotypes, one witch at a time

Thematically and literally, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has always focused on battling monsters. It addressed heavily personal topics (and even Thanksgiving) like self-acceptance, belonging, and identity long before they were trendy. And s*xuality was one of them. The sequel can handle the lesbian and bis*xual labels now, don't you agree? If Sunnydale can survive many apocalypses, then we can all agree that it can handle a little lesbian and/or bis*xual awareness.

However, nothing is more crucial than a truthful depiction. The sequel might explore Willow's evolving magical talents by way of her abilities as a metaphor for her inner growth. The show has the potential to create a space where complex LGBTQ+ characters are not only accepted but celebrated, by tackling stereotypes head-on.

Will Willow return, or will her legacy speak for itself?

Sarah Michelle Gellar is not yet confirmed to return as Buffy (but she will act as Executive Producer), and there’s no official word on Alyson Hannigan reprising her role as Willow. But even if she doesn’t show up in person, the sequel could still honor her legacy. A mention of Willow living happily with her partner, or mentoring young witches, would be enough to keep her spirit alive. After all, once a Scooby, always a Scooby.

Even without a physical return, Willow’s presence could loom large. The sequel could introduce characters inspired by her, or use her story as a foundation for new narratives. Her influence on the magical community of Sunnydale could serve as a testament to her enduring impact, proving that her story is far from over.

From Willow to Wanda's foil: witches leading the queer charge

Willow might have been the first, but she’s not alone anymore. Characters like Agatha Harkness in WandaVision and Agatha All Along have shown that witches continue to be powerful symbols for queer identity on TV. And it’s not just witches—The Umbrella Academy embraced Elliot Page’s real-life transition, weaving it naturally into the storyline. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel can build on this tradition, showing that magic and queerness go hand in hand, because what’s more enchanting than being true to yourself?

There has been a movement towards more inclusive storytelling, as seen by the rise of queer witches in pop culture. To name a few: Ambrose Spellman (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), a pans*xual genderfluid warlock, Luz Noceda (The Owl House), a bis*xual Latina witch-in-training, Rowan Mayfair (Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches), and Lourdes (The Craft: Legacy - 2020), a trans witch (played by a trans actress). So, at least, the sequel can pay homage to Willow's history while expanding the possibilities of queer representation in spooky fiction by having her join this new wave of LGBTQ+ characters.

Meta magic: from Willow trees to Lily kisses

Willow isn’t just a name. It's a symbol. In many ways, Willow Rosenberg's journey of self-discovery mirrors the willow tree's renowned tenacity and pliability. But Alyson Hannigan didn’t leave queer representation behind in Sunnydale. A running gag in How I Met Your Mother was her character Lily Aldrin's habit of flirting with Robin at every chance she got, even sharing a memorable kiss.

Was that meant to be a reference to Willow's legendary role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or was it just some sitcom humor? For some fans, though, as can be seen in the tweet above, there was reluctance to make her canon bi, so they went for the humorous bi-coded character. Anyway, this kind of cross-cultural meta-exchange is nothing new in television, but it really brings out the best in the actors and the characters, blurring the line between fiction and legacy.

Broomsticks and bis*xuality: what’s next for the Buffyverse?

Whether Willow returns or not, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel has the chance to correct past oversights and embrace a more inclusive future. It’s not just about labels, it’s about allowing characters to exist in all their complexity. And if there’s one thing, Buffy the Vampire Slayer taught us, it’s that being different isn’t just okay, it’s what makes you powerful. So here’s hoping the sequel casts a spell that honors Willow’s full story. Because magic, much like s*xuality, refuses to be put in a box.