, New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey spoke about star Sarah Michelle Gellar's claims that the show's creator, Joss Whedon, originally wanted Lynskey for the role of Buffy's best friend, Willow Rosenberg. Gellar previously said that there was an issue with Lynskey's visa that prevented her from auditioning for the part, which ultimately went to Alyson Hannigan. «It is basically true. It was kind of a visa issue, but not really,» Lynskey shared of the missed moment.