Buffy the Vampire Slayer Revival Nears Pilot Order at Hulu

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — More than two decades after its finale, the beloved supernatural drama “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is poised for a revival. A sequel series is nearing a pilot order at Hulu, with Sarah Michelle Gellar in final talks to reprise her iconic role as Buffy Summers in a recurring capacity, sources confirmed.

The project, described as the “next chapter” in the Buffyverse, will focus on a new Slayer while maintaining ties to the original series. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao is attached to helm the pilot, with Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (“Poker Face“) set to write and showrun. Gellar, Zhao, and the Zuckerman sisters will executive produce alongside original series producers Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, and Dolly Parton.

Notably absent from the creative team is Joss Whedon, the original series creator, who has not worked in Hollywood since facing misconduct allegations in 2021. Whedon, who also wrote the 1992 film that inspired the series, has no involvement in the reboot.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” aired for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003, first on The WB and later on UPN. It spawned the spinoff “Angel,” which ran for five seasons. The series has remained a cult favorite, credited with popularizing serialized storytelling and strong female leads in television.

Gellar, who initially expressed reluctance to revisit the role, recently signaled openness to the idea. “It’s a universe,” she said during promotion for her latest series, “Dexter: Original Sin.” “And it makes you realize that in this world, we need those heroes, I think, more so than ever.”

If greenlit, the Hulu project would mark the third installment in the franchise. A previous reboot attempt in 2018, led by Monica Owusu-Breen and involving Whedon, did not move forward. Fans have long clamored for a revival, with hopes bolstered by cast reunions and Parton’s hints of a potential return.

The Zuckerman sisters bring a strong track record, having showrun the critically acclaimed “Poker Face” for Peacock. Zhao, known for her Oscar-winning work on “Nomadland” and Marvel’s “Eternals,” adds a fresh creative vision to the project.

Hulu has not officially commented on the pilot order, but sources indicate that a writers’ room is expected to open soon, signaling confidence in the project’s potential. The revival joins a growing list of legacy series finding new life on streaming platforms, including Hulu’s recent revival of “Futurama” and the upcoming “King of the Hill” reboot.