If you felt a seismic shift in the pop culture force, don’t worry; it’s just the collective excitement (and cautious optimism) of Buffy fans everywhere.
After years of rumours, false starts, and heartbreak, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is officially getting a sequel series at Hulu. And the best part? Sarah Michelle Gellar is returning! Sure, she’s not wielding the stake full-time, but she’ll have a recurring role while a new Slayer takes centre stage.
A New Slayer Rises
According to reports, the untitled project is nearing a pilot order, with Nora and Lila Zuckerman (Poker Face, Fringe) on board as writers and showrunners. Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) is set to direct and executive produce, which is a wild but fascinating choice. I can’t wait to see how her signature quiet, moody aesthetic translates to vampire-slaying shenanigans.
Sarah Michelle Gellar is also executive producing alongside Buffy veterans Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui, plus the iconic Dolly Parton (because, yes, she’s always been involved in Buffy—legend behaviour). Notably absent? Joss Whedon has rightfully been exiled from the Buffyverse after multiple allegations of workplace misconduct. In many ways, his involvement was one of the biggest barriers to getting a new Buffy project off the ground, so the fact that it’s happening without him is pretty incredible. It feels like a fresh start for a beloved series, one that can honour its legacy while leaving behind the toxicity of the past.
A Slayer-Shaped Hole in Our Hearts
I don’t know about you, but my Buffy nostalgia has been at an all-time high. Watching Sarah Michelle Gellar in Dexter: Original Sin (where she does not get nearly enough screen time) reminded me just how much I missed her. Buffy was a cultural reset.
Seeing Gellar return to the role, even in a mentor capacity, just feels right. She’s been incredibly selective about revisiting Buffy, which makes me think this project has real potential. And with Zhao’s visual storytelling and the Zuckermans’ experience crafting mystery-driven narratives, this might be the modern take we need.
What We’re Hoping For
Of course, this raises a million questions. Who’s the new Slayer? Will we see familiar faces? Fun cameos? Another Once More, With Feeling-style musical episode? The possibilities are endless.
For now, all we can do is speculate and rewatch our favourite episodes. But one thing’s for sure: the Hellmouth is about to open again, and I, for one, can’t wait.
What do you think? Excited? Nervous? Emotionally unprepared? Let’s talk Buffy in the comments.
Stay unruly.
I’m screaming. Are you screaming? Let’s scream together. AHHH!