Expert: Tiffani - 6/26/2010

Question
Hello, Tiffani!

In the pilot of BTVS, Willow's character was played by Riff Regan, but she was replaced by Alyson Hannigan.  Do you know why Regan was replaced?  Does the pilot exist anywhere so it can be watched?  Thank you very much!

Another Buffy fan

Answer
Hi Brad,

While I don't know the specific reasons for the Willow re-cast, I imagine it could have been due to numerous reasons. From what I understand, a show can go through many different changes from original pilot to show. Sometimes the shows get a bigger budget after filming the initial pilot, therefore they can make production improvements, or hire a more seasoned actor/actress who requires a bigger fee. Sometimes the network requires certain changes after seeing the pilot. So I don't really know why they replaced her, I can only speculate.

Here is where you can watch the un-aired pilot: http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-4452606385914295001#

It is also available through youtube in different parts.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9ThFA6NMe8
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4D-JcerymM
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKeI15HY0S4

Hope this answers your question, somewhat. Enjoy the pilot!
Tiffani