Buffy is back, and this time she's bringing a whole new chapter to the beloved Buffyverse.
Over 20 years after Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired its final episode, a new installment of the iconic series is officially in development, with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to reprise her role as Buffy Summers. The news was confirmed by PEOPLE, the new project, currently untitled, is nearing a pilot order at Hulu.
According to Deadline and Variety, the Hulu series will center on a new slayer, with Gellar, 47, appearing in a recurring role. Fans can expect fresh faces and new storylines, while still getting a dose of nostalgia with Gellar's involvement.
Adding to the excitement, Oscar-winning director and longtime Buffy fan Chloé Zhao is attached to direct and executive produce the pilot. Writing, showrunning, and executive producing duties will be handled by Nora and Lila Zuckerman. Gellar will also serve as an executive producer, alongside original series producers Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui.
In a surprising twist, country music legend Dolly Parton—who was an uncredited producer on the original '90s series through her company Sandollar Entertainment—will return to executive produce the new Hulu pilot. This project follows an earlier attempt at a Buffy reboot announced in 2018, which was later put on pause in 2022. Searchlight Television and 20th Television are also attached as producers.
While Hulu and 20th Television declined to comment on the new project, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Notably absent from this revival is series creator and former showrunner Joss Whedon.
Although Gellar has not yet commented on the new project, she did drop a subtle hint just a day before the news broke, posting an Instagram selfie referencing Buffy’s famous “yummy sushi pajamas.” Her change of heart regarding a potential Buffy reboot became apparent late last year when she appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show and discussed the idea.
“I always used to say no, because it’s in its bubble, and it’s so perfect,” Gellar admitted. But seeing the success of revival series like And Just Like That and Dexter: Original Sin (which she stars in) made her reconsider. “It definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’”
Gellar also emphasized the need for heroes in today’s world, saying, “It’s a universe. And it makes you realize that in this world, we need those heroes, I think, more so than ever.”
While Gellar remains tight-lipped about further details, another Buffy alum, Emma Caulfield, who played Anya in the original series, reacted to the news on Instagram, sharing a screenshot of Deadline’s article with the caption, “Aaaaaaand it’s out.” Caulfield has not confirmed whether she will appear in the new project.
No additional casting announcements have been made yet, and it’s unclear if any other original cast members, such as Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Head, David Boreanaz, Nicholas Brendon, James Marsters, Eliza Dushku, or Seth Green, will reprise their roles. The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired from 1997 to 2003, followed by the spin-off Angel, which ran from 1999 to 2004.
For now, fans can celebrate the return of Buffy Summers and eagerly await more news about the next chapter in the Buffyverse.
Source: People Magazine
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