Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the beloved supernatural series that concluded its highly successful seven-season run over two decades ago, is reportedly set for a thrilling comeback.
According to Deadline, a follow up series is on the brink of receiving a pilot order from streaming behemoth Hulu, with original Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar anticipated to return to her iconic role. Two-time Oscar-winning director and self-confessed Buffy enthusiast, Chloé Zhao, is slated to helm the pilot episode, while Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (known for Poker Face) will pen the screenplay.
The reboot hails from 20th Television, the studio responsible for the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Walt Disney Studio’s Searchlight TV, where Chloé has a first-look agreement. The Hollywood Reporter suggests that the Buffy reboot may centre around a younger Slayer, implying that Sarah’s Buffy Summers might not be the lead character in the series.
Rumours are circulating that a writers room for the revival could soon be established once the pilot order is confirmed. This suggests that Hulu and the studios have high hopes for the project and are extremely confident about its potential to become a series.
While there’s no official word yet on whether the original cast will reunite for the reboot, it seems highly probable, reports Surrey Live.
There’s a buzz around the Buffyverse once more as a revival is being heralded as its next instalment, with executive production credits going to Sarah, Chloé, Nora, and Lilla. They join forces with Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui of Suite B, who were executive producers on the original series.
The legendary Dolly Parton is also anticipated to take up the mantle of executive producer via her company Sandollar, which produced the original show.
Joss Whedon, who originally created Buffy and penned the 1992 film it was based on, is said to have no role in the new reboot. Whedon stepped back from Hollywood after facing numerous misconduct allegations in 2021.
Should Hulu approve the pilot for a series, it will mark the third venture in the vampire saga. The first instalment, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, aired for five seasons on the WB from 1997 to 2001 before shifting to UPN for an additional two seasons.
The franchise also includes the spin-off Angel, broadcast on the WB over five seasons from 1999 to 2004.
Dolly Parton subtly hinted at a possible comeback of the cult classic supernatural drama over a year ago, saying: “They’re still working on that (Buffy The Vampire Slayer reboot). They’re thinking about bringing it back and revamping it.”
Despite Sarah Michelle Gellar’s reluctance to return to the iconic role that made her a household name, as late as 2023, she expressed in a December interview that she might now be open to exploring the idea.
While discussing her latest project, Original Sin (the prequel series to Dexter), Sarah Michelle Gellar reflected on the possibility of a Buffy revival. She remarked: “It’s funny, I always used to say no, because it’s in its bubble and it’s so perfect, but watching Sex and the City and seeing Dexter, and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.'”
When asked if a Buffy comeback would be a prequel, she clarified: “No, it could be anything. It’s a universe. And it makes you realize that in this world, we need those heroes, I think, more so than ever.”
Following these public statements, negotiations for Gellar’s return to the iconic role are said to be nearing completion, insiders claim.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s portrayal of Buffy garnered her a Golden Globe nomination, and fans of the original series are eagerly anticipating further details about the reboot, with the internet abuzz over the prospect.
One enthusiastic fan stated: “The original Buffy is one of my top five shows of all time and my biggest objection to any previous reboot was that my only real interest was if Sarah Michelle Gellar reprised her role. She is Buffy. Full stop.”
They added: “Now that it’s actually close to happening, I’m very excited.”
Meanwhile, a Redditor shared their excitement: “Love it! Hopefully it gets a full season green light!”
Some ardent fans have voiced their apprehensions about the prospect of a reboot, with one commenting: “Buffy is my favourite show of all time and I’m super nervous for this. I do have faith in SMG (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and I know she would never return if they didn’t do Buffy the character justice.”
They added: “Reboots have ruined a lot for me (Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars). Not to mention that Angel and Spike have aged and it will be jarring to see them. I hope it’s focused on Buffy and the scoobies mostly with Giles and Faith involved as well.”
Meanwhile, another user outlined their stance against the idea: “I think the Buffy reboot is a bad idea but 20 years into the future is exactly when you should do a reboot.”