Buffy the Vampire Slayer Revival in the Works at Hulu with Sarah Michelle Gellar

Hulu is nearing a pilot order for a follow-up series for the iconic "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" franchise. Sarah Michelle Gellar is expected to return as Buffy Summers, more than 20 years after the series ended. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, a lifelong Buffy fan, will direct the pilot, written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face). The project hails from 20th Television and Disney's Searchlight TV, where Zhao has a first-look deal.

A writers' room is set to open soon, signaling confidence in the series. While it's unclear if other original cast members will return, it's considered likely. Described as the next chapter in the Buffyverse, the series is executive produced by Gellar, Zhao, the Zuckermans, and original Buffy producers Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui. Dolly Parton, whose company Sandollar produced the original, is also on board.

Notably absent from the reboot is Buffy creator Joss Whedon, who has not worked in Hollywood since facing misconduct allegations in 2021. If greenlit, this would be the franchise's third series, following the original (1997-2003) and spinoff Angel (1999-2004). A 2018 reboot attempt with a Black female lead never moved forward, but fans have continued lobbying for a revival. 

Gellar, who previously resisted revisiting Buffy, recently softened her stance, stating in an interview, "I always used to say no... but watching Sex and the City and Dexter... does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.'" She earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the original and has since starred in "Wolf Pack", "The Crazy Ones", and "Ringer".

Berman is also producing a "Malcolm in the Middle" revival for 20th TV and Disney+, while the studio is developing a Scrubs reboot for ABC. The Zuckermans recently show-ran "Poker Face", winning both an Edgar Award and a WGA Award for their work. Zhao, known for 'Nomadland" and Marvel's "Eternals", is preparing to release "Hamnet", starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. With the combination of returning talent and fresh creative leadership, the Buffy revival is shaping up to be one of Hulu's most anticipated projects.