- Surprising 'Buffy' reboot in the works
- Sarah Michelle Gellar set to return
- Key facts you need to know
The news hit like a bombshell: the cult series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' is set for a surprising reboot. Sarah Michelle Gellar, the face of the legendary series, is reportedly reprising her iconic role as Buffy Summers. According to 'Deadline,' streaming giant Hulu is close to ordering a pilot episode. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao, a self-proclaimed Buffy fan, will helm the project. The script comes from Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, known for their work on 'Poker Face.'
Sarah Michelle Gellar returns
For years, Sarah Michelle Gellar had been firmly against a 'Buffy' reboot—but she’s had a change of heart. In a recent interview, she explained:
"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 Dexter, and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’"
That shift in perspective led to negotiations with Hulu, now in their final stages. Gellar won’t just be stepping back into her slayer role—she’s also taking on executive producer duties. She’ll be joined behind the scenes by Dolly Parton, whose production company Sandollar produced the original series.
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'Buffy': Key facts you need to know
- A Cult Classic: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' debuted in 1997, running for seven seasons until 2003. The show is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the supernatural drama genre.
- The Angel Spin-Off: The series spawned 'Angel' (1999–2004), which focused on "Buffy’s" love interest, the vampire "Angel."
- Unforgettable Characters: Besides "Buffy", the show introduced beloved characters like Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) and Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter).
- Joss Whedon’s Controversy: Series creator Joss Whedon will not be involved in the reboot, following allegations of misconduct that surfaced in 2021.
- Expanding the "Buffyverse": The reboot will mark the third major installment in the "Buffy" universe, following the original series and "Angel."
The 'Buffy' reboot is already stirring excitement and nostalgia among fans. The return of Sarah Michelle Gellar could attract both longtime followers and a new generation of viewers. Meanwhile, Joss Whedon’s absence might allow the series to take a fresh direction. With Chloé Zhao’s vision and a strong production team in place, the reboot holds significant promise. Whether it can recapture the magic of the original remains to be seen.