It looks like the Buffyverse is about to expand. According to Variety, a sequel series to Buffy the Vampire Slayer is close to receiving a pilot order at Hulu. The project is set to introduce a new Slayer while bringing back Sarah Michelle Gellar in a recurring role as the iconic Buffy Summers.
New Faces, Familiar Legends
The upcoming series will be helmed by Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman, known for their work on Poker Face, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fringe. Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) is set to direct the pilot and serve as an executive producer under her Book of Shadows banner. Gellar will also executive produce alongside Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, and Dolly Parton, all of whom played key roles in the original series’ production. 20th Television and Searchlight Television will handle production.
Joss Whedon’s Absence
One name missing from the project is Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Whedon, who spearheaded the original series and its spinoff Angel, has faced allegations of fostering a toxic work environment. Several cast members, including Charisma Carpenter, Amber Benson, and Michelle Trachtenberg, have publicly spoken against him. Hulu and 20th Television have not commented on his absence.
Buffy’s Legacy and the Road to a Revival
Buffy the Vampire Slayer debuted in 1997 and became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its mix of supernatural storytelling, witty dialogue, and strong female lead. The series, which ran for seven seasons across The WB and UPN, helped revolutionize serialized television storytelling. While its influence continued through Dark Horse comic book adaptations, no new Buffy projects have made it to the screen since Angel ended in 2004.
In 2018, Monica Owusu-Breen was reportedly working on a Buffy reboot with Whedon attached as an executive producer, but that iteration never moved forward. Now, with a new team and a fresh approach, Hulu is taking another shot at expanding the universe.
Hulu’s Growing Roster of Revivals
If ordered to series, this Buffy sequel will join Hulu’s growing list of franchise revivals. The streamer has already brought back Futurama, is working on a King of the Hill continuation, and recently ordered a Prison Break reboot. Hulu seems to be betting big on nostalgia-fueled properties.
What’s Next?
While details remain scarce, this sequel series is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV projects in recent memory. With Gellar’s return, new creatives at the helm, and the potential for fresh supernatural storytelling, Buffy the Vampire Slayer could once again redefine the Slayer’s legacy for a new generation.
We’ll be diving deeper into this Buffy revival on the next Geek Freaks Podcast! Listen here.
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