Deadline reports that Hulu is close to finalizing a pilot order for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer follow-up set to be directed by Chloé Zhao and written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face). Dolly Parton is attached as an executive producer for the pilot, while Zhao, the Zuckerman sisters, Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui will produce the series as a whole. As Deadline notes, Joss Whedon will not be working on the project.
No details about the show have been announced, but in addition to executive producing, Sarah Michelle Gellar is expected to reprise her role as Buffy Summers. After the original show went off the air in 2003, Buffy’s adventures continued on in the pages of Dark Horse’s comics series that ran until 2018.
Rumors have been swirling that Hulu is considering rebooting the beloved supernatural drama “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The original series, created by Joss Whedon, aired from 1997 to 2003 and gained a massive cult following for its unique blend of horror, humor, and strong female characters.
While details are scarce at this point, fans are eager to see what a modern-day reboot of “Buffy” could look like. With the current trend of reviving classic TV shows and movies, it’s no surprise that Hulu might be eyeing this iconic series for a reboot.
Whether the original cast would return or a new group of actors would take on the roles remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – fans are ready to see the Slayer back in action. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development! #BuffyReboot #Hulu #BuffyTheVampireSlayer
Tags:
Hulu Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot
Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival news
Buffy the Vampire Slayer remake on Hulu
Joss Whedon Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot
Sarah Michelle Gellar Buffy the Vampire Slayer return
Hulu original series rebooting Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot rumors
Buffy the Vampire Slayer new season on Hulu
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot cast updates
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot release date speculation
Sarah Michelle Gellar is on board to star in a Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, with Chloé Zhao set to direct the pilot
Six and a half years have gone by since it was announced that a reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was in development with Monica Owusu-Breen, co-creator of the TV show Midnight, Texas, writing, executive producing, and serving as showrunner. It was said that the new show would be “contemporary, building on the mythology of the original.” That project never made it into production – and now, it looks like we’re going to be getting a Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival instead, with Sarah Michelle Gellar back as the title character!
In early 2023, Gellar said she had no interest in ever playing Buffy again. She told SFX magazine, “I am very proud of the show that we created and it doesn’t need to be done. We wrapped that up. I am all for them continuing the story, because there’s the story of female empowerment. I love the way the show was left: ‘Every girl who has the power can have the power.’ It’s set up perfectly for someone else to have the power. But like I said, the metaphors of Buddy were the horrors of adolescence. I think I look young, but I am not an adolescent.” But, by the end of 2024 she had changed her mind. Appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show (via Deadline), she had this to say about resurrecting Buffy: “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.’“
Now, Deadline reports that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival is nearing a pilot order from the Hulu streaming service, with Gellar on board to star and Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals), who is a self-professed lifelong Buffy fan, set to direct. Zhao will be working from a script by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face). The revival is coming our way from 20th Television and Searchlight TV, where Zhao has a first-look deal. Deadline adds that the revival is “starting a writers room soon, a sign that Hulu and the studios have high expectations for the project going to series. It is unclear yet whether other original Buffy cast members would return; that is considered likely.”
This is being referred to as “the next chapter in the Buffyverse.” The revival is being executive produced by Gellar, Zhao, and the Zuckermans, as well as the original series’ executive producers Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui of Suite B. Also executive producing the pilot is Dolly Parton, whose company Sandollar was behind the original show. In case you’re wondering, “Buffy creator Joss Whedon, who also wrote the 1992 movie the series was based on, has no involvement in the reboot. He has not worked in Hollywood in any official capacity since facing a slew of misconduct allegations in 2021.”
Are you glad to hear that Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chloé Zhao are teaming up to bring a Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival to Hulu? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.
Exciting news for Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans! Sarah Michelle Gellar is set to reprise her iconic role as Buffy Summers in a revival of the beloved supernatural series. The actress, who originally portrayed the fierce vampire slayer from 1997 to 2003, has confirmed her return to the show in an announcement that has sent fans into a frenzy.
Gellar expressed her excitement about stepping back into the role that catapulted her to stardom, stating, “I am thrilled to be revisiting the world of Buffy and to bring her back to life for both new and longtime fans. Buffy has always held a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to dive back into the supernatural world of slaying vampires and saving the world.”
Details about the revival are still being kept under wraps, but fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and fresh new storylines that will continue to explore the themes of friendship, empowerment, and battling evil that made the original series a cult classic.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival starring Sarah Michelle Gellar! #BuffyRevival #SarahMichelleGellar #BuffySummers #VampireSlayer
Tags:
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, revival, TV show, actress, Joss Whedon, supernatural, vampire, horror, cult classic, Sarah Michelle Gellar news, Sarah Michelle Gellar acting, Buffy reboot, Sarah Michelle Gellar revival, Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
Hulu is developing a follow-up to the cult favorite series, with original star Sarah Michelle Gellar attached. The new project comes from writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face, Fringe) and 20th Television and is described as “the next chapter in the Buffyverse.” Oscar winner Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) is set to direct.
Hulu and 20th TV declined comment.
Sources say the new Buffy would focus on a younger Slayer and that Gellar’s Buffy Summers would not be the central character. Although Buffy lore dictated that only one Slayer could exist at a time, its final season upended that notion with the awakening of hundreds of potential Slayers for the show’s endgame.
Gellar, who’s currently starring in Showtime’s Dexter: Original Sin, had said in the past that she wouldn’t be interested in a Buffy redo, but in a December interview, she said she was now open to the idea: “I always used to say no, because it’s in its bubble, and it’s so perfect,” she said during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. “But watching Sex and the City [sequel And Just Like That] and seeing Dexter, and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’”
The Hulu project is the second Buffy reboot to emanate from 20th TV in the recent past. In 2018, the studio (which produced the original WB/UPN series) worked on a reboot with writer Monica Owusu-Breen and series creator Joss Whedon, but it didn’t get past development. Whedon — who has since been accused of mistreating actors on Buffy, its spinoff Angel and the Justice League feature film — is not involved in the Hulu show.
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman will executive produce the Buffy reboot with Zhao, Gellar, and the original show’s EPs Gail Berman, Fran and Kaz Kuzui of Suite B, and Dolly Parton via Sandollar. Parton wasn’t a credited executive producer on the original show, which ran from 1997-2003, but her Sandollar Television was one of its producers.
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman are repped by UTA and Lichter Grossman. Zhao is repped by CAA, Lichter Grossman and Ilene Feldman Management. Gellar is with CAA, Linden Entertainment and Yorn Levine. Berman and her company The Jackal Group are repped by Sam Fischer at Ziffren Brittenham.
Fans of the iconic 90s TV show ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ rejoice! A reboot of the beloved series is in the works at Hulu, and even more exciting, original star Sarah Michelle Gellar is set to reprise her role as the kickass vampire slayer.
The new series will reportedly pick up where the original left off, following an older and wiser Buffy as she navigates the challenges of being a slayer in a modern world. With Gellar on board, fans can expect the same fierce and fearless portrayal of the character that made her a cult favorite.
While details about the reboot are still scarce, the news of Gellar’s involvement has already sparked excitement among fans of the original series. With her return, it’s sure to be a thrilling and nostalgic trip back to the world of Sunnydale and all its supernatural inhabitants.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ‘Buffy’ reboot with Sarah Michelle Gellar, coming soon to Hulu! #BuffyReboot #SarahMichelleGellar #Hulu
In every generation, there is a chosen one — again.
Variety has learned from sources that a sequel series to the beloved show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is nearing a pilot order at Hulu.
Sources say that Sarah Michelle Gellar is in final talks to once again play the iconic title character in the untitled project, although it would focus on a new Slayer and Gellar would appear in a recurring role rather than leading the series.
Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman are attached to write, showrun, and executive produce. Chloé Zhao is attached to direct and executive produce under her Book of Shadows production banner. Gellar would also executive produce along with Gail Berman. Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui will executive produce via Suite B, while Dolly Parton will executive produce via Sandollar. 20th Television and Searchlight Television will produce. Berman, the Kuzuis, and Parton were all executive producers on the original “Buffy” series.
Reps for Hulu and 20th TV declined to comment.
Noticeably absent from the show’s creative team is Joss Whedon, who created the original series and oversaw its seven-season run. As Variety reported in 2021, Whedon was accused of creating a toxic work environment on both “Buffy” and the spinoff series “Angel” by nearly a dozen people associated with the show.
“Buffy” and “Angel” actress Charisma Carpenter also spoke out against Whedon, with fellow cast members like Amber Benson and Michelle Trachtenberg backing up her allegations. Whedon responded to those and other allegations against him in January 2022, admitting that he had been “not mannerly” with Carpenter but otherwise saying “Most of my experiences with Charisma were delightful and charming.”
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” originated as a film starring Kristy Swanson in the title role. Whedon wrote the film with Fran Kuzui directing. It was released in 1992. Five years later, the series version starring Gellar debuted on The WB. It would air on The WB for its first five seasons before airing its final two seasons on UPN. The cast also included Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, and James Marsters among others. Boreanaz would then head up the spinoff series “Angel” at The WB for five seasons.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” has proven to be a massive cult hit and highly influential since its debut. The series is credited for helping to popularize ongoing story arcs in television while also building a show around a strong female lead. It is frequently cited as one of the best television shows of all time.
Whedon previously penned a series of comic books with Dark Horse that continued the story of the series, though no new “Buffy” project has ever made it to screen. Most recently, it was reported in 2018 that Monica Owusu-Breen was working on a reboot of the series with Whedon onboard as an executive producer. Ultimately, that version of the project never went forward.
Gellar can currently be seen in the prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” on Paramount+ with Showtime. Though she is perhaps best known for her time on “Buffy,” Gellar’s other notable TV credits include Paramount+’s “Wolf Pack,” CBS’ ”The Crazy Ones” opposite Robin Williams, and The CW’s “Ringer.” In film, she has starred in features like “Cruel Intentions,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” the two live-action “Scooby Doo” movies, and “The Grudge.”
The Zuckermans were the showrunners on the popular Peacock series “Poker Face” starring Natasha Lyonne during the show’s first season. Their past credits include “Prodigal Son” and “Fringe” at Fox, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” at ABC, “Suits” at USA Network, and “Haven” at Syfy. Variety exclusively reported they are also attached to a series adaptation of the novel “The Spy Coast” currently in the works at Amazon.
Zhao received four Oscar nominations for her 2020 film “Nomadland” starring Frances McDormand — best director, best editing, best adapted screenplay, and best picture. Zhao went on to win best director that year with “Nomadland” winning best picture. Zhao is also known for her films “The Rider” and “Songs My Brother Taught Me,” both of which she also wrote and directed. Zhao was also the director and co-writer of the Marvel film “Eternals.”
Gellar is repped by CAA, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn Levine Barnes. The Zuckermans are repped by UTA and Lichter Grossman. Zhao is repped by CAA, Ilene Feldman Management, and Lichter Grossman. Berman is repped by Ziffren Brittenham.
Should the sequel show proceed, it would be the latest series revival to find a home at Hulu. Most recently, Hulu gave a pilot order to a reboot of “Prison Break.” The streamer currently airs new episodes of the adult animated comedy “Futurama,” while a new installment of “King of the Hill” is currently in the works.
Exciting news for Buffy fans! It has been reported that a sequel series to the beloved cult classic show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is nearing a pilot order from streaming giant Hulu. The new series will reportedly be set in the same universe as the original show, but will feature a new cast of characters and a new slayer to take on the forces of evil.
Fans of the original show, which aired from 1997 to 2003, have been eagerly anticipating a revival or continuation of the story for years. With the success of other reboots and revivals in recent years, such as “Charmed” and “Roswell, New Mexico,” it seems like the time is ripe for a return to the world of Buffy and her friends.
While details about the new series are still scarce, fans can expect plenty of action, drama, and witty banter as the new slayer battles vampires, demons, and other supernatural threats. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development! #BuffyTheVampireSlayer #Hulu #SequelSeries
More than two decades after Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended its seven-season run, the beloved supernatural drama is eyeing a revival with a new chapter in the franchise. A followup series is nearing a pilot order from Hulu, with Sarah Michelle Gellar expected to star, reprising her signature role as Buffy Summers, sources said. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, a self-professed lifelong Buffy fan, is set to direct the pilot, written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face).
The reboot hails from Buffy the Vampire Slayer studio 20th Television and Disney sibling Searchlight TV where Zhao has been under a first-look deal.
Beyond the pilot order, I hear the reboot is starting a writers room soon, a sign that Hulu and the studios have high expectations for the project going to series. It is unclear yet whether other original Buffy cast members would return; that is considered likely.
Described as the next chapter in the Buffyverse, the new incarnation is executive produced by Gellar, Zhao, Nora and Lilla Zuckerman as well as the original series’ executive producers Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui & Kaz Kuzui via Suite B. Also executive producing the pilot is Dolly Parton whose company Sandollar was producer on the original.
Buffy creator Joss Whedon, who also wrote the 1992 movie the series was based on, has no involvement in the reboot. He has not worked in Hollywood in any official capacity since facing a slew of misconduct allegations in 2021.
If the Hulu pilot goes to series, it would be the third in the franchise, following mothership Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired on the WB for five seasons from 1997-2001 before dramatically moving to UPN for two more, and spinoff Angel, which ran on the WB for five seasons (1999-2004).
Nora Zuckerman, Lilla Zuckerman and Gail Berman
Getty/Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Berman, Fran Kazui and Kaz Kazui previously teamed up with 20th TV in 2018 for a potential Buffy The Vampire Slayer reboot written by Midnight, Texas creator Monica Owusu-Breen, on which Whedon was an executive producer. That project, whose lead was envisioned as a Black woman, didn’t move forward. Still, fans of the show have continued to lobby for a revival, their hopes fueled by a couple of high profile cast reunions.
Parton indicated a year ago that a Buffy return was still in the works, saying in an interview that “They’re still working on that. They’re thinking about bringing it back and revamping it.”
Gellar, who had been opposed to revisiting Buffyas recently as 2023, expressed openness to the idea in a December interview promoting her latest series, Dexter prequel series Original Sin, on which she is a special guest star.
“It’s funny, I always used to say no, because it’s in its bubble and it’s so perfect,” she said. “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.’”
As to whether a potential Buffy revisit has to be a prequel, she said, “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.”
According to sources, negotiations with Gellar for the Buffy reboot had started when she made the comments. Those negotiations are now in their final stages.
Gellar earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role on the original series. Her credits also include the Paramount + series Wolf Pack, which she starred in and executive produced, CBS’ The Crazy Ones opposite Robin Williams and the CW’s Ringer. She is repped by CAA, Linden Entertainment and Yorn Levine Barnes.
Through The Jackal Group, Berman produces Wednesday, which ranks as Netflix’s most popular English-language series of all time. The company’s series credits also include Fox’s Jon Hamm-led animated comedy Grimsburg and the Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple. Berman and The Jackal Group is repped by Sam Fischer at Ziffren.
The cast of ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’
Online USA via Getty
The Zuckerman sisters recently showran the hit Peacock series Poker Face for creator Rian Johnson. Their Poker Face episode “Escape From Shit Mountain” won the Edgar Award for Best Teleplay from the Mystery Writers of America, and the WGA for Best Comedy Episode. The Zuckermans are repped by UTA and Lichter Grossman.
Zhao’s third feature, Nomadland, won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. She co-wrote and directed Marvel Studios’ 2021 movie Eternals. Most recently, she co-wrote and directed the upcoming movie Hamnet starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Zhao is repped by CAA, Lichter Grossman and Ilene Feldman Mgmt.
After much anticipation, it has been officially announced that a ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ reboot is in the works, and it will be starring none other than the original slayer herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar. The iconic television show, which originally aired from 1997 to 2003, is set to be reimagined at Hulu.
Fans of the cult classic series are thrilled at the prospect of seeing Gellar return to her role as Buffy Summers, the chosen one who battles against the forces of darkness in Sunnydale. The reboot promises to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved story, while still honoring the legacy of the original show.
With Gellar on board, fans can expect the same fierce, witty, and kick-ass portrayal of Buffy that they fell in love with over two decades ago. The actress herself has expressed her excitement about revisiting the character that made her a household name.
While details about the plot and casting are still under wraps, one thing is for certain – this reboot is sure to be a must-watch for fans of the original series and newcomers alike. Stay tuned for more updates on the ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ reboot with Sarah Michelle Gellar at Hulu.
Tags:
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Hulu, TV reboot, supernatural drama, Joss Whedon, iconic series revival, cult classic, vampire hunter, Buffy Summers, television news, entertainment, streaming platform, female protagonist, strong female lead, beloved show revival, vampire slaying action, pop culture resurgence
You must be logged in to post a comment.