It’s been almost 30 years since Kristy Swain killed a vampire. But these days she’s happy to be back on her feet at a ranch.
Pure Flix’s streaming series, “Sons of Thunder Redemption” stars the actress. It is the story of Rocky Myers, a former member of a biker gang who seeks forgiveness from his ex-fiancee at her California ranch for horses that is closing down. Swanson, the ranch owner, decides to host an event for fundraising. But trouble soon follows. Lorenzo Lamas, of “Falcon Crest”, and “Renegade,” star in the show.
Swanson was the title role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1992. Along with Donald Sutherland and Paul Reubens, Hilary Swank were also part of the comedy-horror. The film was initially unsuccessful at the box-office, but it was revived for a television series that starred Sarah Michelle gellar between 1997 and 2003.
Swanson, 52 years old, talked to Fox News Digital about working with Perry. Perry died at 52 in 2019. She also spoke out about bonding with her new castmates.
Fox News Digital Many fans will remember you from “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.” How was the audition?
Kristy Swinson:That was quite a journey. Luke Perry was attached to it. He was offered a three-picture deal by 20th Century Fox, and he wanted “8 Seconds,” Lane Frost’s story. This was one of his projects. They then told him that they had another script for him: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Just read it. You’re gonna love it.”
He took it out and said, “Oh my gods, I know exactly who should play Buffy.” He went to the studio and met the director and producers. You must meet her. He then calls me and says, “You’re going to love this project.” You will be the best person for this job. It is essential that you do it. This will make you a great leader.
I was like, “Sure, whatever. I’ll read that.” It was funny, and I did it! They had to audition everyone. I was able to audition for the role seven times. Then I had to be present for the readings so they could check if the friends in the film were together and had the right appearance in terms of age, height and everything. So I continued to go to the studio, meeting these guys. It was a great experience. It’s funny that it didn’t make it big at the box office but it is now a cult favorite. For some reason, it has lasted for a long time. It was great fun.
Fox News Digital What is one thing about Luke Perry that makes your smile every time you think of it?
Swanson I’m a sucker for the song “Fly Me to the Moon”. It was the song he and me danced to at end of movie. We didn’t yet have the soundtrack at the time. When we were filming, it was up to us to choose a song that we would dance to during the prom scene. We thought, “Fly Me To the Moon!” They chose that song. Luke is always there when I hear the song. He is my inspiration.
Fox News Did you ever get an offer to appear on “Buffy” or did you decline?
Swanson I wasn’t offered the series, and I was not shocked. I was 22 years old when I made the movie and was already playing a role in high school. It wouldn’t have made sense to me to play the role at that time. There weren’t any hard feelings. It never crossed my mind, not even the “Why didn’t they call me?” thought. I was nearly 30 when it happened seven years later. They didn’t ask any of the actors to appear in the series.
It was clear that this series was going to be something completely new and fresh. It was exciting to me that they had announced it, as I grew up watching shows like “Wonder Woman”, “The Bionic Woman”, and “The Bionic Woman.” It was important to me to have a strong female character I could look up to. It was then that I thought, “This will be great. Young girls will now have Buffy on TV every week.” It should last. It’s an admirable character. This is how I saw it.
Fox News Digital You were also part of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Which is your most memorable memory from that day on set?
Swanson It was a pleasure working with John Hughes. He is a legend but he was also one of the most kind, sweetest and coolest people you could ever meet. It was our chemistry that made us so special. Even though we were only 15 years old, it was easy to see how our chemistry worked. I had many opinions and questions. It was just funny to him. We talked a lot while on set. He hired me because he liked me and felt that he could guide me on set.
He called me, and I recall him saying that he had some good and bad news. Because of logistics, the role I hired you to fill must be shot in Chicago. The good news is that I have written you a new job and will send it to your agent. The dialogue was so complex that it seemed like I needed to learn it. It was tongue-twistering. It was a tongue twister. How is this possible? He believed in me.
Paramount Studios was where I shot the movie. They were finishing filming the movie. All of us were in the classroom. John Hughes is seated there, typing on an old-fashioned typewriter. While we were filming “Ferris Bueller”, he was actually writing “Some Kind of Wonderful”. He says, “Hey! What are you doing this weekend?” I replied, “I don’t know, nothing.” He responds, “Well, that movie is called Pretty in Pink. Howard Deutch directed it.” We have to reshoot it at the end. Jon Cryer plays the role of Duckie. I’d like to write a scene just for you guys.” “OK, I’ll do that, it sounds like fun.” That’s how I got the job.
It’s funny. I’m sitting right now in my office and there’s a poster of Ferris Bueller on the wall. It’s a wonderful film, one of my favorites. John was a pleasure to work with.
Fox News Digital “Sons of Thunder Redemption” features many familiar faces. How was your relationship with the cast?
Swanson: Phenomenal. It could not have been more perfect. Everyone I worked with was wonderful, cast and crew. Everyone was amazing. It can be difficult to get to know someone and to make friends when you are working under COVID rules. We all got along well. They were all very special and loved by each other. They were excellent communicators and were excited to be able to work together at this ranch. It was a truly special experience and it shows in the screen.
Fox News DigitalPure Flix offers family-friendly, Christian programming. What do you think is lacking in today’s mainstream television shows and movies? Or, would you prefer to see more of what you love?
Swanson I believe there could have been more balance. Look, I’m 52. I grew up watching family-friendly programs like “Little House on the Prairie”, and “The Waltons.” I also watched “All in the Family.” The message on that show was clearly how to behave. The message was clear and there was more balance. These things have changed significantly over the years.
Pure Flix is a streaming service that offers family-friendly programming. It’s a great thing. While I am an actor, and I do make movies, I don’t enjoy horror or scary content. That’s not something I enjoy. My husband and son are watching, so I will go do laundry. It’s art, and you have the option to choose what you want. However, I appreciate that there are many options.
Fox News Digital You have worked on several projects with Pure Flix. When choosing the right job for you, what are you looking for?
SwansonI want to see myself in a script when I read it. It’s almost like looking for a house. Do I feel like I could live in this particular house? Is it right for me? It must feel right to me. Some scripts I read made me feel like I couldn’t do the job. There were certain roles I auditioned for, but didn’t get. It happens. There are no hard feelings. I tried and went for it. It doesn’t matter if it’s family-friendly, faith-based or any other, I want to be happy about the job I do.
Fox News Digital What are you hoping viewers will take away from the series?
Swanson I just hope everyone has a great time. It’s one those shows that the whole family can enjoy together, eat pizza, and watch. It has a great cast. It’s a great ride. But it’s also real and honest. I know there’s more to come and can’t wait.
