Buffy Reboot at Hulu Canceled, Sarah Michelle Gellar Confirms
In a disappointing turn for fans of the iconic series, the planned “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” revival at Hulu has been canceled, Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Gellar Announces the News
Gellar shared the news in an Instagram video, expressing her sadness over the decision. “I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me,” she said. She thanked Chloé Zhao for the opportunity to revisit the role of Buffy Summers and emphasized the enduring importance of the character and the series to her and the fanbase. “And this doesn’t change any of that. And I promise, if the apocalypse actually comes, you could still beep me.”
Pilot Episode and Novel Slayer
The revival had filmed a pilot episode last summer, introducing Ryan Kiera Armstrong (“The Lowdown”) as the new Slayer, described as a brainy and cerebral teenager. The cast as well included Sarah Bock (“Severance”), Ava Jean (“Law & Order: SVU”), Faly Rakotohavana (“Unprisoned”), Jack Cutmore-Scott (“Frasier”) and Daniel di Tomasso (“Major Crimes”).
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Role and the “Buffyverse”
“New Sunnydale” would have been set after the events of the original “Buffy” series, with Gellar reprising her role as Buffy Summers in a recurring guest star capacity. The revival was intended to focus on the new Slayer and her own group of companions, continuing “the next chapter in the Buffyverse.”
Creative Team Behind the Revival
Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning director of “Nomadland,” was attached to direct and executive-produce the project. Executive producers also included Gellar, Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, and Dolly Parton, all of whom were involved in the original series.
Gellar’s Previous Comments on the Reboot
Following the initial announcement of the reboot last year, Gellar addressed fans, stating her commitment to getting the revival right. “I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit Buffy and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right… This has been a long process, and it’s not over yet. I promise you, we will only develop this show if we understand we can do it right.”
As of now, there is no word on whether the series will be shopped to other networks or streaming services.