The Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot is shaping up to be a reality! After more than 20 years since the iconic series wrapped its seven-season run, Hulu is reportedly preparing to greenlight the revival. According to Deadline, Sarah Michelle Gellar is expected to reprise her legendary role as Buffy Summers. The pilot will be directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, with a screenplay being developed by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman of Poker Face.
The reboot is being produced by 20th Television and Searchlight TV, with Zhao having a first-look deal at the latter. While there hasn’t been an official pilot order yet, reports indicate that a writers’ room is being formed, signaling the project’s progress. It’s unclear whether other original cast members will return, but given Gellar’s involvement, there’s hope for some familiar faces.
Initially, Gellar had been hesitant to revisit Buffy, considering the original series to be a perfect, self-contained story. However, the success of reboots like Sex and the City and Dexter led her to reconsider. Gellar remarked that such projects can be approached in a way that doesn’t tarnish the original, making her more open to the idea of a revival.
As for the reboot’s direction, Gellar clarified that it won’t necessarily be a prequel, leaving room for the series to explore different aspects of the Buffyverse. She emphasized that the world could use more heroes like Buffy, especially in today’s climate.
Along with Gellar, Zhao, and the Zuckermans, the executive producer team includes Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, and Dolly Parton, whose production company helped finance the original series. However, notable absence from the project is Buffy creator Joss Whedon, who has stepped back from Hollywood amid misconduct allegations.
With talks reportedly nearing completion, the return of the beloved vampire slayer seems imminent, and fans can look forward to a new chapter in the Buffyverse. If the reboot is officially picked up, it would be the third iteration of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, following the original series and the Angel spinoff.