The iconic television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer is set to make a surprising return after more than 20 years, with Hulu nearing a pilot order for a sequel series. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who originally portrayed Buffy Summers, is expected to reprise her role in a recurring capacity and will also serve as an executive producer.
However, this time around, it doesn’t look like Buffy is going to be the main character. Instead, insiders speculate that she will act as a mentor to a fresh Slayer.
Gellar’s involvement marks a significant shift, as she had previously expressed reluctance toward a reboot. However, she changed her mind after discussions with producer Gail Berman and director Chloé Zhao. She was impressed by Zhao’s passion and vision for the project.
Dolly Parton, whose production company Sandollar produced the original series, returns as an executive producer. However, original series creator Josh Whedon will not return due to previous allegations of misconduct.
Chloé Zhao, who directed Eternals and Diablo 4, will direct the pilot episode. The writing team comprises sisters Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, known for their work on Poker Face.
The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer series aired from 1997 to 2003 and was popular for its monster and coming-of-age themes. It ended after seven seasons with a satisfying conclusion that left the door open for spin-offs that include Angel, Firefly, and the Buffy comic books.
The show is currently available for streaming on Hulu, allowing new viewers to experience the series and longtime fans to revisit Sunnydale.
Rewatching the series will also help you pass the time, as the reboot is only in its developmental phase. The writers’ room is set to begin soon.
Fans have expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension regarding the reboot. Many are eager to see how the new series will build upon the original's legacy, while others are worried that any remakes won’t do it justice, especially at a time when reviving old series seems to be more common than inventing new ones. However, Gellar's active participation and the involvement of acclaimed talents like Zhao and the Zuckerman sisters have sparked some interest in many fans, who believe that the show will bring something new and exciting to our screens.
Of course, many die-hard fans just can’t wait to see Buffy in action again after all this time and when the show finally does arrive onHulu, it’s sure to be a big deal.