Buffy Revival Canceled—Star Reveals What Really Happened
Hulu has pulled the plug on the long-awaited Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, star Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed over the weekend, dashing plans for a sequel series and a return to Sunnydale.
So, about that Buffy revival: it is not happening. Hulu passed on the planned sequel series, and Sarah Michelle Gellar told fans herself.
What changed
Gellar shared the news in an Instagram video on March 14, adding a twist that even longtime followers didn't expect: she reportedly found out Friday night while she was at SXSW in Austin. That is a rough way to end a week.
"I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me."
"Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with Buffy New Sunnydale."
What the revival would have been
The platform had ordered a pilot for a sequel last year, working under the title 'Buffy New Sunnydale.' The idea was to pick up with Buffy Summers decades after the original series wrapped, with Gellar returning to the role that defined late-90s genre TV. The behind-the-scenes lineup was eyebrow-raising in a good way, and the cast was already taking shape:
- Chloe Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) was set to direct the pilot.
- Nora and Lilla Zuckerman were writing the script.
- Ryan Kiera Armstrong had the lead as the new Slayer.
- Ava Jean, Faly Rakotohavana, Jack Cutmore-Scott, and Sarah Bock were onboard as series regulars.
Gellar also thanked Zhao for pulling her back into the character's orbit and reminding her how much Buffy means to her and to fans. And yes, she signed off with a wink to the original series:
"I promise, if the apocalypse actually comes, you could still beep me."
Is that it for Buffy?
Not quite. While this incarnation is off the table, the word is that Hulu still likes the Buffy franchise and is exploring other ways to bring it back. For now, though, stake back in the drawer.