IN CONVERSATION WITH SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR
interview by JANA LETONJA
Golden Globe nominee and Emmy-winning actress Sarah Michelle Gellar remains one of the most enduring icons of modern television and film. Best known for defining a generation with her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, HER career spans decades of genre-defining projects, including Cruel Intentions, The Grudge, Scooby-Doo, and Scream 2. She now returns to the big screen in Ready or Not: Here I Come, the highly anticipated follow-up to the cult hit horror thriller. With a career that bridges beloved classics, genre-defining roles, and new creative ventures, Sarah Michelle continues to shape pop culture while embracing exciting new chapters on screen and behind the scenes.
jacket and trousers TOM FORD
tights WOLFORD
shoes LESILLA
earrings 8OR
ring ALEXIS BITTAR
What excited you most about joining Ready or Not: Here I Come and stepping into this world?
I was such a fan of the first movie, so when I got a phone call that they were making a sequel I couldn’t wait to read the script. Then they told me Radio Silence were directing it again and I had been a fan of them for some time. They tend to use the same people over and over again, and all I kept asking is, “Am I in the troop? Did I make it?” They're incredibly meticulous in their work. They have thought through everything, while at the same time, they're incredibly collaborative which is a rare combination. They hire actors that they want to bring something unique, and they want to hear your thoughts. But more than that, it's the way they run a set. It's with dignity and respect. There's no hierarchy. It's, “We're all here. We all have voices.” Their enthusiasm was contagious. Then on top of that you add in the amazing cast, Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Elijah Wood, Shawn Hatosy, Nestor Carbonell and the entire ensemble. What’s not to get excited about? Not to mention David Cronenberg.
The original film became a cult favorite. What do you think audiences will love about this sequel?
I think audiences are going to absolutely love Ready or Not: Here I Come for so many reasons. First and foremost, we’re taking the thrills to another level. It's going to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I know fans appreciated the witty writing in the first film, and we’ve definitely kept that clever humor while adding some unexpected twists that will surprise everyone. Where the original was about the chaos of marrying into a murderous family, this one turns its attention to the relationships already inside it — siblings, rivalries, the kind of history you can’t outrun. This one was much more about the inner relationships within the family. A lot of brother and sister, sister-sister dynamics.
dress ALEX PERRY - FROM FWRD
tights STYLIST’S OWN
shoes LESILLA
bracelet ALEXIS BITTAR
earring AREA
What can you share with us about the story of this film and your character?
I think one of the discussions of this film that's very interesting is about power, and the people who have power, how it's never enough, and how people crave more. We have all witnessed a person like Ursula, right? Someone who is bred in the shadow of a very prominent parent, to carry on their legacy. There's no individuality. You are just meant to be them. And then you add that she's a twin, which again, is another loss of individuality. And what I find interesting about Ursula's journey, specifically in this movie, is her whole life has been leading up to this moment. And now she's in this moment, and she realizes this maybe isn't the life that she wants. So while she is taking part in this life or death game, you are watching her entire belief system unravel.
dress DOLCE
fur RETROFETE
tights WOLFORD
shoes RETROFETE
earrings AREA
Horror has played an important role throughout your career. What continues to draw you to the genre?
For so long, the horror genre was one of the only genres that women could really lead and be the heroes. That’s where the interesting roles existed. Horror was doing something progressive long before Hollywood started talking about it. Where more “respectable” genres kept women on the margins, horror handed them the story. In genre, you really can buy into the narrative so differently. You can have these flawed people in these situations that can then save the day.
Looking back at your career, did you ever imagine that Buffy would remain such a defining cultural touchstone decades later?
Buffy is truly the job that dreams in this business are built on. You can only hope that work you do will hold up years later and still be relevant and appreciated. I am very aware how truly rare this is and am beyond grateful.
From Cruel Intentions to The Grudge, many of your roles have become cult classics. Why do you think those stories continue to resonate?
I have always tried to pick roles and jobs that I as the audience would want to see. At the end of the day, I am just someone who loves TV and film like everyone else. I do not take for granted that I have the greatest fans who continue to support me through different genres and roles.
After decades in the industry, what still excites you most about acting?
I have the greatest job in the world and I never take that for granted. I still get the same excitement on the first day of a new job that I got at the beginning of my career. I know how lucky I am to have a career that I love and look forward to, and jobs I get excited to go to everyday.
full look FENDI
How do you choose projects at this stage in your career?
The way I choose now is so different than the way I used to. In your 20s, you're so defined by your work. “What is my legacy, and what am I doing? And is this the job? And is this and this and this?” And now, I have a family, and my considerations are different. “If I'm leaving my family, is it a role I haven't done? Is it a world I haven't been a part of? Am I going to enjoy the experience?” I don't need to work just for work’s sake, I want to work and say, “Okay, if I left my family for this period of time, this was worth it, and this was that job.” This cast was full of actors that I respect, but now also that I love as people, and that doesn't happen very often.
Outside of acting, you’re deeply involved in philanthropic work with organizations like No Kid Hungry and Good+ Foundation. Why is that advocacy important to you?
I was raised to understand that giving back is the cornerstone of a healthy life. I am fortunate to be in the position I am, and I never want to take that for granted. There are so many ways to give back, and unfortunately, it’s so often equated only with money. You can give time, a skill you have or simply to further amplify a message of need. I believe it’s a basic human responsibility.
jacket and shorts RETROFETE
fur RETROFETE
tights WOLFORD
shoes DOLCE
earrings RETROFETE
How do you balance such a busy career with family and personal life?
Balance is a strong word. I try to give my all to each when it’s their time. When I am with my family, I try and give my undivided attention. And I try and do the same at work. Some days are more successful than others. My focus is always in the present.
What excites you most about this new chapter, both creatively and personally?
I think what excites me the most is that I really feel like I am simply making choices for myself. That is a confidence you only achieve with age and experience. I am not trying to prove things to people anymore, just myself.
dress BALENCIAGA FROM FWRD
tights WOLFORD
shoes LESILLA
TEAM CREDITS:
talent SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR
photography & set design TYLER PATRICK KENNY
styling LUCA FALCIONI at Opus Beauty
hair JUSTINE MARJAN at Highlight Artists
makeup MELISSA HURKMAN at Highlight Artists
styling assistant ADRIÁN JOSE RAMOS DIAZ
video MEECH with Tunnel Media Group
production ANNEE ELLIOT
studio tech JAY SIVAYAVIRONJNA
studio @dfla_studio
studio host @evanduning
backdrops @schmidlibackdrops
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
