Sarah Michelle Gellar announced that Hulu has decided not to move forward with the planned sequel to the 1990s series, confirming that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival will not go ahead.
Hulu Drops Planned Sequel
The Disney-owned streaming platform opted not to pick up the proposed continuation, which had been described as Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale. The decision ends plans to bring the central character back to television in the announced format.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Confirms Cancellation
On social media this weekend, Sarah Michelle Gellar said she was “really sad” to share the news and wanted fans to hear it directly from her. She stated that Hulu decided “not to move forward” with Buffy New Sunnydale and thanked director Chloé Zhao, saying Zhao reminded her how much she loves the character and how much Buffy means to fans.
Gellar closed her message with a nod to one of the show’s best-known lines, adding: “I promise, if the apocalypse actually comes, you could still beep me. “
What Was Planned and Who Was Attached
The revival had been set to feature Gellar returning as Buffy Summers and was to be directed by Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning filmmaker known for work including Nomadland, Eternals and the more recent Hamnet. It was reported last year that the series would return under the New Sunnydale title with Gellar attached.
The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer ran for seven seasons from 1997 until 2003 and followed Buffy as she balanced high school with fighting supernatural threats. The series also featured Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter and Michelle Trachtenberg in its cast.
With Hulu’s decision confirmed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, the planned continuation is shelved for now. Gellar’s message left the door open in spirit by expressing gratitude for the opportunity and affirming the character’s continued importance to her and the show’s fans.
