Sarah Michelle Gellar Set to Honor Shannen Doherty’s Legacy in Potential ‘Mallrats’ Sequel

Kevin Smith expresses interest in casting Gellar as a tribute to the late star in the long-awaited sequel, “Twilight of the Mallrats.”

In a heartfelt move to honor the legacy of her late friend Shannen Doherty, Sarah Michelle Gellar has shown her support for stepping into Doherty’s iconic role from the 1995 cult classic Mallrats in a potential sequel. Director Kevin Smith recently revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that Gellar, who had previously auditioned for the original film, could be a fitting choice to fill the role of Rene, originally portrayed by Doherty.

Shannen Doherty passed away in July 2024 after a long battle with cancer, leaving a profound impact on her fans and colleagues alike. Kevin Smith, who directed Mallrats, had been in discussions with Doherty prior to her passing about her reprising the role of Rene in the planned sequel titled Twilight of the Mallrats. With her absence, Smith expressed uncertainty about moving forward, but a recent discovery that Gellar had once been considered for the cast inspired a potential path forward.

“I would ask Sarah to step in for Shannen if there’s a possibility that we get to make Twilight of the Mallrats,” Smith said, adding that Gellar’s warmth would be a touching tribute to Doherty’s enduring legacy. He continued, “It’s maybe the next best thing to having Shannen there.”

The idea quickly gained traction when Gellar herself responded enthusiastically to the suggestion, writing in an Instagram comment, “Here for this idea!!” Her public support has reignited excitement around the long-awaited sequel.

In the original Mallrats, Doherty’s Rene was a memorable part of a quirky comedy centered around two friends who take refuge at a shopping mall after being dumped by their girlfriends. The film, though not a commercial success upon its release, grew into a cult classic, helping solidify Smith’s reputation as a director known for offbeat humor and relatable characters.

Smith, who had been close with Doherty and spoke highly of her involvement in the original Mallrats project, admitted that making the sequel without her had seemed impossible. However, with Gellar’s expressed interest, he now sees a renewed possibility, not only for the film itself but as a meaningful tribute to the late actress.

“There’s been these weird glimmers of conversations that the project could become a reality as a tribute to Shannen,” Smith shared. “The only thing that would be better is if Shannen was still here with us and we did it like we planned. But now there’s a special impetus. And we know who that movie is going to be dedicated to; that’s for damn sure.”

The idea of Gellar taking on the role brings full circle her long connection to the film, as Smith revealed she had auditioned for a part nearly three decades ago. While her casting didn’t come to fruition at the time, Gellar is now poised to continue Doherty’s legacy in what would surely be an emotional and nostalgic tribute to the late star.

As Smith and his team work to bring Twilight of the Mallrats to life, fans of both Gellar and Doherty will be watching closely, eager to see how this heartfelt continuation unfolds.