‘Buffy’ Reboot Canceled at Hulu, Sarah Michelle Gellar Confirms

The highly anticipated reboot of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will not be moving forward at Hulu, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Gellar, who was set to reprise her iconic role, shared the news via an Instagram video.

Development and Cancellation

The project, titled “Buffy: New Sunnydale,” was first announced in February 2025 with a pilot order at Hulu as reported by Deadline. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”) was attached to direct and executive produce, with Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (“Poker Face”) writing the script. Ryan Kiera Armstrong had been cast as the new slayer, with Gellar set to mentor her character according to People.

“Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with ‘Buffy: New Sunnydale,’” Gellar announced in her Instagram post as confirmed by Variety. She expressed gratitude to Zhao for the opportunity, stating, “Thanks to Chloe, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means not only to me but to all of you.”

Reasons for the Cancellation

Sources indicate that the pilot was considered “not perfect,” and that Zhao’s creative vision may not have been the ideal fit for the reboot as reported by Deadline. Despite this, Hulu reportedly remains interested in the “Buffy” intellectual property and is considering future iterations of the franchise.

Original Series and Joss Whedon’s Absence

The original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series aired for seven seasons, from 1997 to 2003, initially on The WB and then on UPN. Notably, Joss Whedon, the creator of the original series, was not involved in the reboot due to prior misconduct allegations as noted by Variety. These allegations were first made by his wife, Kai Cole, and later by Buffy co-star Charisma Carpenter.