Buffy the Vampire Slayer Revival: A New Chapter in the Buffyverse
More than two decades after the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer concluded, the beloved supernatural drama is poised for a revival. A potential sequel series is making significant strides with a pilot order from Hulu, featuring the return of Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers. This new iteration of the franchise is set to be directed by Oscar winner Chloe Zhao, a lifelong fan of the show.
About the Pilot and Creative Team
The project, developed by 20th Television and Searchlight TV, will be written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, creators of the hit series Poker Face. Zhao, whose acclaimed works include Nomadland and Eternals, is set to helm the pilot episode. The creators are optimistic about the project, indicating that a writers’ room is set to start soon, suggesting strong intentions from Hulu and the studios.
Executive Producers
The revival is executive produced by Gellar, Zhao, Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, along with Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui. Both Berman and the Kuzui brothers were part of the original series’ executive production team. Dolly Parton, who was an executive producer on the original series, is also involved, with her company Sandollar handling production for the reboot.
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Involved Cast and Industry Figures
Dolly Parton, known for her involvement in the original series, expressed continued interest in bringing Buffy back in early 2024. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who initially resisted the idea, has since changed her stance. Gellar stated, “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.’”
The Role of Joss Whedon
Notably, Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy, is not involved in this revival. Following allegations of misconduct in 2021, Whedon has not returned to official work in Hollywood. This means the creative direction falls squarely on Zhao, the Zuckerman sisters, and the other producers.
Previous Series in the Buffyverse
This potential new series would be the third in the Buffyverse, following the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired for seven seasons across two networks, and the spinoff Angel. If the pilot is successful, it would continue the legacy of bringing Buffy’s world to new audiences.
