A reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is not moving forward on Hulu, Variety has confirmed. Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed the news on Instagram.
“I’m really sad to have to share this, but I wanted everyone to hear my voice. Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with production of ‘Buffy: The New Sunnydale,'” she said in a video posted Saturday. “I want to thank Chloe Zhao, because I never thought I’d be able to wear those stylish yet affordable Buffy boots again. And Chloe reminded me how much I love her and how much she means to you, not just me. And this isn’t going to change that feeling. If the apocalypse actually comes, I promise you’ll still get a beep.”
The “Buffy” sequel series was first announced in February 2025 as a pilot order on Hulu. “Hamnet” director Zhao was set to serve as director and executive producer of the new version, which was formed by 20th Television and Searchlight Television.
The project, titled “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale,” would star Ryan Keira Armstrong as the new assassin, with original series star Gellar reprising her role as Buffy. The pilot also starred Farey Rakotohavana as Hugo, Ava Jean as Larkin, Sarah Bock as Gracie, Daniel Di Tomasso as Abe, and Jack Cutmore-Scott as Mr. Burke.
A source close to the show said that although the reboot is not moving forward, there is “a lot of love” for “Buffy” and that the streamer will continue to consider future versions of the IP. “The door is basically still open.”
Nora Zuckerman and Lyla Zuckerman co-wrote, showrun and executive produced “New Sunnydale” with EP “Geller”, Gail Berman, Fran Kuzy, Kaz Kuzy and Dolly Parton. Original series creator Joss Whedon is not involved in the reboot.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a 1992 film directed by Fran Cousy and written by Whedon, starring Kristy Swanson in the title role. Five years later, a series starring Geller began airing on The WB. The show lasted for seven seasons and also starred Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, and James Marsters. Boreanaz led the spin-off series “Angel” on The WB for five seasons.
