Buffy Revival Staked: Hulu Cancels the Slayer’s Comeback!
Well… this one hurts.
Just when it looked like the Scooby Gang might be dusting off their stakes again, the planned revival series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer has officially been cancelled by Hulu. And the news didn’t come through some vague industry rumour, it came straight from the Slayer herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar.
In a video message to fans on Instagram, Gellar confirmed that Hulu had decided not to move forward with the project, which had been in development under the title Buffy: New Sunnydale. The series was meant to continue the story 23 years after the original show, introducing a new Slayer, while Buffy would return in a supporting role.
The show had some serious power behind it as well. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao was set to helm the series and executive produce alongside Gellar, while writing duties would be handled by sisters Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. The show would have centred on a new Slayer named Nova, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, with Buffy returning to the story as a mentor figure. Think less “chosen one” and more “wise veteran who’s seen some things.”
Honestly? It sounded like a pretty fun way to bring the universe back without trying to simply recreate the magic of the original.
And here’s the kicker: The pilot had already been filmed. This wasn’t just some idea scribbled on a Hollywood napkin. This revival was the closest attempt had been made to revive the show since it ended in 2003.
But in true Sunnydale fashion, the apocalypse arrived early. Hulu has decided not to move forward with the series, effectively staking the revival before it ever made it to air. Gellar is confirming the news herself, sharing her disappointment but also thanking fans for their excitement and support.
“So I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me. Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with Buffy: New Sunnydale. I want to thank Chloé Zhao because I never thought I would find myself back in Buffy’s stylish yet affordable boots. And thanks to Chloé, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means not only to me but to all of you, and this doesn’t change any of that. And I promise, if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.”
If, like me, you grew up with Buffy, this one stings a little. We were so looking forward to this. We can only hope that with all the excitement surrounding this project, it shows the world still craves Buffy, and the Slayer will return in the not too distant future.
But for now, this revival has officially been dusted.
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