Ryan Kiera Armstrong Cast as Lead in Hulu's Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot

A powerful new chapter is being written in the ever-evolving Buffyverse, and at its center is rising star Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Known for her performances in "Firestarter" and "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew", Armstrong has officially been cast as the new lead in Hulu's reboot of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". The series, which has received a pilot order from the streaming platform, marks the return of original Buffy icon Sarah Michelle Gellar, who will reprise her role as Buffy Summers while also serving as an executive producer on the project.

Though the series remains untitled, it is being described as the next evolution of the Buffy mythology-a modern reimagining that both honors the legacy of the original while introducing a fresh perspective and cast of characters. Armstrong will step into the role of a new Slayer, a high school student who, according to early casting descriptions, is introspective and reserved, perhaps reluctant to embrace the enormous power and responsibility thrust upon her. This mirrors, in many ways, Buffy's own journey in the original series-a reluctant heroine shaped by destiny.

The pilot is being helmed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals), bringing her signature visual style and emotional depth to the world of vampires, demons, and slayers. The script is penned by acclaimed writing duo Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Poker Face), who will also executive produce the pilot.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who spent seven seasons embodying one of television's most iconic female protagonists, had high praise for her young co-star. "From the moment I saw Ryan's audition, I knew she was the one," Gellar said in a statement. "Her emotional intelligence, maturity, and raw talent are well beyond her years. There's something incredibly special about her-not just as an actress, but as a person. And when she smiles, the room changes."

Adding a touch of emotional poignancy to the casting announcement, Gellar surprised Armstrong, who is just 15 years old, with a video message revealing she had won the coveted role. Visibly overwhelmed and moved to tears, Armstrong responded, "I'm so honored. Thank you for trusting me with this. It means everything." She was joined by her father, actor and producer Dean Armstrong.

According to the Zuckermans, "Ryan is this generation's Slayer. She walked in, and it was like the air shifted. She didn't just audition-she claimed the role. There was no doubt in our minds that she was the chosen one."

The reboot brings together an impressive lineup of talent behind the scenes. Alongside Gellar and the Zuckermans, Chloé Zhao will executive produce through her production company, Book of Shadows. Also returning to the Buffyverse are original series producers Gail Berman of The Jackal Group and Fran and Kaz Kuzui of Suite B. Music legend Dolly Parton, who quietly co-produced the original series through her company Sandollar Productions, is also returning as an executive producer. The series is a joint production of 20th Television and Searchlight TV-two Disney-owned studios-with Zhao currently under a first-look deal at Searchlight.

Ryan Kiera Armstrong made her acting debut at the age of eight in "The Art of Racing in the Rain", appearing opposite Amanda Seyfried. Since then, she's built a varied résumé that includes roles in "IT: Chapter Two", "Black Widow", "The Glorias", "The Tomorrow War", and a leading turn in the 2022 "Firestarter" reboot. She also starred alongside Nicolas Cage in "The Old Way" and held a major part in "Wildflower".

She has some television credits as well. She made her mark in Netflix's "Anne with an E" and later caught the attention of 20th Television with her performance in "American Horror Story: Red Tide". Since then, she's continued to work with Disney, including a leading role in the upcoming Disney+ series "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" opposite Jude Law and a recurring part in FX's anticipated drama "The Lowdown" with Ethan Hawke.