The pilot episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which premiered in 1997 as a mid-season replacement on The WB network, featured notable talents alongside newcomers. Among these fresh faces was David Boreanaz, embarking on his first major acting role. While seasoned actors like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, and Anthony Stewart Head were part of the cast, Boreanaz’s inexperience stood out as filming commenced. Initially, series creator Joss Whedon presented a 25-minute unaired pilot, paving the way for the full-length episode that ultimately captured audiences.
In a recent interview on the podcast RE-VAMPED with Juliet Landau, Charles Martin Smith, the director of the pilot episode, discussed his experience working with Boreanaz. In the pivotal episode “Welcome to the Hellmouth,”Boreanaz made his debut as Angel, a character who oscillates between ally and antagonist for Buffy. Smith painted a vivid picture of Boreanaz’s initial anxiety on set, recalling how he appeared visibly “terrified”during his first scene. Their paths crossed once more at a social event years later, where Boreanaz expressed his gratitude to Smith for guiding him through that nerve-wracking experience.
David, playing Angel, he had his first scene I think ever in my episode. And I remember him coming to set, and I just thought, “This kid is terrified.”I do remember David just not really knowing what to do. And I bumped into him many years later at one of those Hollywood parties, and he thanked me for getting him through that first day. He was really sweet about it. He said, “I really didn’t know what I was doing, but thanks, Charlie.”
Boreanaz’s Impressive Career Post-Buffy
A Continuous Journey in Television
During the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Boreanaz appeared as a guest star in seven out of twelve episodes. His performance earned him a promotion to series regular in season 2, where he notably portrayed the villainous Angelus in the latter half. Following a standout performance in episode 19, “I Only Have Eyes For You,”Joss Whedon recognized Boreanaz’s talent and decided to spin off the character into a separate series, keeping the option open for a possible return to Buffy in case the new show didn’t succeed.
Boreanaz’s journey did not end with Angel; he was able to continue his career seamlessly, playing Seeley Booth in Bones for an impressive twelve seasons after Angel concluded in 2004. Currently, he stars as Jason Hayes in SEAL Team, which is set to conclude in 2024. While there has been no official confirmation and he has previously stated a disinterest, fans remain hopeful for a potential return as Angel in the anticipated sequel to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Our Perspective on Boreanaz in “Welcome To The Hellmouth”
The Emergence of Angel as a Series Highlight
The pilot episode “Welcome to the Hellmouth”effectively set the series’ tone, challenging the expectations of horror and TV fans alike. Boreanaz’s portrayal of Angel introduced a captivating mystery around his character, leading to the ultimate revelation of his vampire status in episode 7 of the first season. Despite being at the outset of his career, Boreanaz’s early performance laid the foundation for Angel’s character development, making him an indispensable element of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
For further insights, visit RE-VAMPED with Juliet Landau.