Kristy Swanson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Psych”) still remembers the moment she first read the script for “What If,” a faith-based film that continues to resonate with audiences more than a decade after its initial release. The film will re-release in theaters this week as a Fathom Entertainment presentation, including a new cast reunion video.
“I read the script and fell in love with it,” Swanson said. “I loved the story. It just flowed so nicely. All the characters were amazing.”
Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”) and co-starring Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules: The Legendary Journeys”), the film explores themes of life choices and divine intervention through a narrative that Swanson found compelling from the start. She praised the script’s quality, noting that unlike many projects she’d encountered, this one felt complete and purposeful.
“Sometimes you’ll read a script and think it’s got good bones, but it’s missing something,” she explained. “But this was just so perfect and so great. I just fell in love with it.”
The movie marked a significant moment in Swanson’s diverse acting career, which spans decades and includes iconic roles in films like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and the original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” While “What If” didn’t dramatically alter her career trajectory, it did open doors to more faith-friendly projects and Hallmark Christmas movies.
Swanson, who began acting as a child and has continued working through her 50s, views her lengthy career with gratitude. “I’ve been blessed to have a good career, a long career,” she said. “I’ve been able to act and play roles in my childhood, teenage years, young adulthood, and into my 30s, 40s, and 50s.”
The upcoming re-release of “What If” in holds special significance for the actress.
“It’s mind-boggling that it was 15 years ago,” Swanson said. “The fact that we’re doing it again is something really special.”
She believes the film’s message remains timeless and will continue to touch audiences. “People are going to come away entertained and definitely feeling very warm inside,” she predicted.
As for the film’s enduring appeal, Swanson credits the storytelling and the universal themes of choice and possibility. The movie’s exploration of “what if” moments resonates with viewers who contemplate alternative life paths.
“I think we all can’t help but have ‘what if’ moments in our lives at certain times,” she said.
The re-release presents an opportunity for both new audiences and fans of the original to experience the film. Swanson is particularly excited about introducing the movie to a new generation while allowing previous viewers to revisit its meaningful story.
“I’m excited for new introductions to the film and for people revisiting it,” she said. “I think it’s going to be fantastic.”
Looking back at the role that jumpstarted her career, Swanson said has heard rumors of a Buffy reboot for years. Now hearing that a reboot with the involvement of series star Sarah Michelle Gellar is in production, would she be open to making an appearance, perhaps as an alternate reality version of her breakout role?
“I’m always open to that,”’ she said. “I think that would be pretty fantastic and fun. Definitely.”
“What If,” directed by Dallas Jenkins and starring Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson John Ratzenberger, and Debby Ryan, will re-release in theaters this week as a Fathom Entertainment presentation. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
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