We have bad news for Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans.
As you know, Hulu announced a reboot titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale in February 2025, with longtime fan Chloé Zhao directing the pilot. And after years of Sarah Michelle Gellar saying she would never “return” to the show, the director managed to change her mind. The actress agreed to return to reprise her Buffy character in a recurring role, while she handed over her stake to Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who would play the new slayer. A host of other actors and actresses were cast in the show, including Chase Sui Wonders.
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But unfortunately, Hulu has put a stake in the reboot! Sarah confirmed the news on Instagram on Saturday, saying:
“So I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me. Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with ‘Buffy: New Sunnnydale.’ I want to thank Chloé Zhao because I never thought I would find myself back in Buffy’s stylish yet affordable boots. And thanks to Chloé, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means, not only to me, but to all of you. And this doesn’t change any of that. I promise that if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.”
NOOOOO! Watch her video (below):
This is incredibly disappointing and shocking to hear! We were not the only ones surprised by the news! Following the announcement, a source close to Sarah and Chloé told TMZ that the women feel “blindsided” by Hulu’s decision – and the timing of it! Sarah just had a successful opening at SXSW for her new movie, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, while Chloé is up for an Oscar with her critically acclaimed film, Hamnet. Why would they axe the series when both women are doing so well at this time?
According to sources for Deadline, the pilot was “not perfect.” They noted that Chloé possibly was not the perfect fit for the gig. Uh oh. While there were reportedly talks about reworking the pilot, Hulu decided not to move forward with the project in the end. How sad.
If the pilot wasn’t good, perhaps it’s for the best that Hulu shelved the series. They also could have let us decide that first. Hmm. Fans are, nevertheless, upset over the news. They took to the comments section of Sarah’s video to say:
“Can we get another streaming service to pick it up?! Please.”
“Can it be shopped? We need this”
“Honestly feeling heartbroken! No exaggeration.”
“BEEP!!!! We ARE beeping you!!! Devastated. The world needs Buffy now more than ever xxx.”
“Oh Hulu have a lot to answer for”
“This is the most disappointing entertainment news of the year. We love you and will follow you anywhere.”
“This is so Sad !!! @hulu are you out of your mind?”
“This isnt possible! How about netflix or someone else investing on it? We want it!!!”
“This gets more heartbreaking with each rewatch, I’m sorry .. @hulu this is absolutely unforgivable”
“Hulu not picking up a BTVS revival series with SMG finally agreeing to return, Chloe Zhao as director (Oscar winning director), the Zuckermans (Poker Face) is absolute MADNESS to me and anyone else who was in the know. Sort this out @hulu !!”
“What??? I am devastated! How can Hulu cancel something that they didn’t even have a chance and had so much promise and excitement especially with you and Chloe involved?!? I’m truly perplexed. @netflix pick up this series!!!”
Pretty much, they are all thinking this right now about Hulu…
Are you disappointed by the news, Perezcious readers? Sound OFF in the comments (below)!
[Image via Sarah Michelle Gellar/Instagram, The Drew Barrymore Show/YouTube, Buffy The Vampire Slayer/20th Century Fox Television]
