The era-defining vampire show is set to rise from the dead.
Over two decades since the series’ end, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is reportedly back in reboot development. Following years of on and off reports, the show is finally nearing a pilot order from Hulu and seems more likely than ever to return.
As reported by Variety, Oscar winner Chloé Zhao is attached to direct the pilot written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman of Poker Face; who are additionally attached as showrunners. Original Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar is also in final talks to reprise her iconic role as Buffy Summers, though reportedly in a recurring character capacity alongside a new lead.
Though the television series ended with season seven in 2003, the story was continued in a series of comic books and was referenced in spin-off series Angel until its end in 2004. Additionally in 2023, members of the original cast including James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, and Anthony Head reunited with Amber Bensen for an audio series for Audible called Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.
It is unclear if any of these storylines will be explored, nor where the reboot intends to pick up from or who else from the original cast is expected to return alongside Gellar.
The reboot would feature Gellar returning to the titular role for the first time since the show ended. Having originally rejected the idea of returning for a new iteration, Gellar reportedly warmed up to the idea following her role in Dexter prequel series Original Sin.
While promoting Original Sin on The Drew Barrymore Show, Geller expressed her new thoughts, saying that “there are ways to do it” and that “it makes you realise that in this world, we need those heroes, I think, more so than ever.”
During its original run Buffy was wildly popular due in part to the structure which employed long story arcs alongside monster of the week episodes, often using supernatural creatures as metaphors for the problems of adolescence. The show also used the balance between these narrative structures to create an ensemble of strong characters and a rich world for them to occupy. Buffy herself has since been hailed as a feminist heroine and the show has long been considered one of the greatest television series of all time.
In an era of reboots, prequels, and sequels, it’s hard not to feel hesitant when news drops of a new project that plans to drag old IP’s out of retirement. However, with the blessings of OG slayer Sarah Michelle Gellar and the involvement of fresh talent, there are reasons to remain hopeful for this upcoming project.
Words by Camille Murray.