David Boreanaz to Revive His Best Character? The Speculation Heats Up
David Boreanaz has etched himself into the hearts of television viewers through his portrayal of two distinct yet equally captivating characters: the tormented vampire with a soul, Angel, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and his eponymous spin-off, and the charmingly skeptical FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth in the long-running procedural Bones. Both roles have garnered him a dedicated fanbase, each championing their preferred Boreanaz persona. Now, whispers and hints from the actor himself have ignited fervent speculation: could David Boreanaz be poised to revive one of these iconic characters?
For fans of supernatural drama, Boreanaz will forever be linked to the brooding and heroic Angel. His journey from a cursed vampire seeking redemption to a champion fighting the forces of darkness resonated deeply, and the Angel series, though ending its run in 2004, maintains a strong cult following. Conversely, for those who prefer crime-solving with a healthy dose of witty banter and romantic tension, Boreanaz’s portrayal of Seeley Booth, the former Army Ranger turned FBI agent who partners with the brilliant but socially awkward Dr. Temperance Brennan in Bones, remains his defining role. The chemistry between Booth and Brennan, affectionately known as “Bones,” fueled twelve successful seasons and left an indelible mark on the landscape of procedural television.
The Revival Landscape: A Look Back
In an era dominated by reboots, revivals, and legacy sequels, the possibility of revisiting beloved characters and universes is constantly on the minds of both creators and audiences. The success of shows like CSI: Vegas, Dexter: New Blood, and the numerous superhero series returning familiar faces has demonstrated the appetite for seeing cherished characters return to the screen.
Given this trend, it’s no surprise that the question of David Boreanaz reprising either Angel or Seeley Booth has frequently surfaced in interviews and fan discussions. Boreanaz himself has often been asked about the possibility, and his recent comments have added fuel to the speculative fire.
Hints and Teases: What Boreanaz Has Said
While Boreanaz has been careful not to make any definitive announcements, his recent statements have certainly hinted at a potential return to one of his most well-known roles. In various interviews, when prompted about revisiting past characters, he has expressed an openness to the idea, particularly concerning Bones.
He has often spoken fondly of his time on Bones and the unique chemistry he shared with his co-star, Emily Deschanel. Boreanaz has described the role of Seeley Booth as “easy” to step back into, suggesting a comfortable familiarity with the character and the world of the show. He has even floated potential storylines for a Bones revival, imagining Booth and Brennan’s daughter potentially following in their footsteps in law enforcement.
However, the possibility of an Angel revival hasn’t been entirely dismissed either. Boreanaz has acknowledged the dedicated fanbase that still passionately supports the show and the character. While he has joked about not wanting to wear the vampire makeup again, he has also expressed that tapping back into the world of Buffy and Angel could be “interesting.”
The Case for Angel’s Return
For many longtime fans, Angel represents Boreanaz’s most iconic and complex character. His brooding intensity, the constant battle with his inner darkness, and his unwavering commitment to helping the helpless created a compelling figure that transcended the typical vampire archetype.
The Enduring Appeal of the Buffyverse
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe continues to hold a significant place in popular culture. With talks of a Buffy revival (though one not centered on Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character), the potential for Angel to reappear in some capacity remains a tantalizing prospect for fans. Even a cameo or a guest appearance could provide closure or open new narrative possibilities within the broader Buffyverse.
Unfinished Business and Untapped Potential
Angel’s abrupt cancellation after five seasons left some storylines feeling unresolved. While the final episode offered a sense of defiant hope, the potential for exploring Angel’s continued fight against the Powers That Be, his relationships with his Scooby Gang (Cordelia, Wesley, Gunn, Fred/Illyria), and his ongoing struggle for redemption remains rich territory for a revival.
Boreanaz’s Connection to the Character
Despite his playful reluctance regarding the makeup, Boreanaz has consistently expressed affection for the character of Angel and the impact the show had on his career. This underlying fondness suggests that he might be open to revisiting the role under the right circumstances, perhaps in a limited series format that wouldn’t require a long-term commitment.
The Case for Booth’s Return in a Bones Revival
On the other hand, the sheer popularity and longevity of Bones make a revival centered on Seeley Booth a very strong possibility. The procedural format lends itself well to episodic returns, and the enduring chemistry between Booth and Brennan remains a major draw for viewers.
The Success of Procedural Revivals
As mentioned earlier, the television landscape is currently receptive to the return of successful procedural dramas. Bones enjoyed a long and prosperous run, building a loyal audience that would likely tune in for new cases and further developments in the lives of Booth and Brennan.
The Comfort of Familiarity
For many viewers, Bones offered a comforting blend of crime-solving, humor, and heartwarming relationships. Revisiting these characters and their world would provide a sense of nostalgia and familiarity that can be particularly appealing in a crowded television market.
Boreanaz and Deschanel’s Willingness
Crucially, both David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel have publicly expressed their openness to a Bones revival. Their positive recollections of their time on the show and their strong on-screen chemistry make a potential return even more enticing for fans. Boreanaz has even pitched potential storylines, indicating a genuine interest in revisiting the characters.
Which Character is More Likely to Be Revived?
While both Angel and Seeley Booth hold a special place in the hearts of David Boreanaz’s fans, the current landscape and the actor’s own comments suggest that a revival of Bones, with Boreanaz reprising his role as Seeley Booth, might be the more likely scenario in the near future.
Logistical Considerations
From a logistical standpoint, a Bones revival might be easier to execute. The show’s procedural format allows for self-contained episodes, and the lack of supernatural elements simplifies production. Additionally, Boreanaz has specifically mentioned the ease with which he could step back into the role of Booth.
Current Television Trends
The current trend in television favors the revival of established procedural dramas with built-in fanbases. The success of shows like CSI: Vegas demonstrates that audiences are willing to revisit familiar crime-solving formats with beloved characters.
Boreanaz’s Recent Comments
Boreanaz’s more frequent and enthusiastic comments regarding a potential Bones revival, including his own storyline ideas, indicate a stronger inclination towards revisiting that character. While he hasn’t ruled out a return to the Buffyverse entirely, his focus seems to be more on the world of forensic anthropology and FBI investigations.
What a Revival Could Look Like
Regardless of which character Boreanaz might revive, the format of a potential return is also a subject of much speculation.
Limited Series or Miniseries
Given Boreanaz’s commitments to other projects and the desire to avoid lengthy runs, a limited series or miniseries format seems like a plausible option for either character. This would allow for a focused storyline and a satisfying arc without requiring a multi-season commitment.
Guest Appearances or Cameos
In the context of the Buffy revival, Boreanaz could potentially make guest appearances as Angel, offering a familiar face for longtime fans and perhaps providing some closure to his relationship with Buffy or his role in the broader mythology.
Standalone Movies or Specials
Another possibility is standalone movies or television specials that revisit either the world of Angel or the characters of Bones, offering a concentrated dose of the beloved characters and their stories.
The Fans Weigh In
The debate over which character David Boreanaz should revive is a lively one among fans. Social media platforms and online forums are filled with passionate arguments for both Angel and Seeley Booth.
#BringBackAngel
Fans of Angel often cite the show’s complex themes, the compelling arc of its titular character, and the rich mythology of the Buffyverse as reasons for a revival. They long to see Angel’s story continue and to revisit the unique blend of noir, horror, and action that defined the series.
#BonesRevival
Supporters of a Bones revival emphasize the enduring chemistry between Booth and Brennan, the engaging case-of-the-week format, and the heartwarming found-family dynamic of the Jeffersonian team. They believe there are still compelling stories to tell with these beloved characters in the modern world.
Conclusion: The Future Remains Intriguing
As David Boreanaz continues his successful career, the question of whether he will revive one of his most iconic characters remains a tantalizing prospect for his devoted fanbase. While his recent comments suggest a stronger leaning towards revisiting Seeley Booth in a Bones revival, the enduring appeal of Angel and the ongoing developments in the Buffyverse mean that a return to that brooding vampire cannot be entirely ruled out.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Boreanaz and the creative forces behind these beloved shows. However, the actor’s willingness to engage with the possibility and the clear enthusiasm from fans indicate that the revival of either Angel or Seeley Booth would be met with considerable excitement and anticipation. For now, fans will continue to speculate and hope that David Boreanaz will indeed step back into the shoes of one of the characters who has left an indelible mark on television history. The anticipation is palpable, and the revival landscape suggests that the return of a beloved character might be closer than we think.
