The planned reboot of the beloved 1990s television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been shelved at Hulu, dashing hopes for a continuation of the story with original star Sarah Michelle Gellar reprising her iconic role. The news, confirmed by Gellar herself on Saturday, March 14, 2026, marks the end of a development process that began in early 2025 and had generated significant excitement among fans of the original series.
Gellar shared the disappointing update via an Instagram video, stating, “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: Latest Sunnydale.” She expressed gratitude to director Chloé Zhao, acknowledging that the opportunity to revisit the character was unexpected. “I want to thank Chloé Zhao because I never thought I would locate myself back in Buffy’s stylish yet affordable boots and thanks to Chloé, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means not only to me but to all of you,” Gellar said. She playfully added, “This doesn’t change any of that, and I promise if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.”
The reboot, tentatively titled Buffy: New Sunnydale, was envisioned as a continuation of the original series, set in the titular town haunted by vampires and other supernatural forces. The project aimed to introduce a new Slayer, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, while also featuring Gellar as Buffy Summers, now in a mentor role. The series was to be executive produced by Gellar, and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, known for her function on films like Nomadland and Hamnet. Zhao’s involvement initially sparked enthusiasm, as she described herself as a lifelong fan of the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Pilot Production and Creative Direction
The development of the reboot began in February 2025, with Hulu ordering a pilot episode. The Hollywood Reporter detailed the project’s origins, noting the involvement of 20th Television and Searchlight TV. Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, writers known for their work on the critically acclaimed series Poker Face, penned the pilot script. Zhao completed directing the pilot in August 2025, expressing her excitement about bringing the story to a new generation.