Trending Now - Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot With Gellar Officially Scrapped
WHO:
Sarah Michelle Gellar, actress and executive producer
Chloé Zhao, Oscar-winning director
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, writers
Ryan Kiera Armstrong, actress playing the new Slayer
Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Sarah Bock, Daniel Di Tomasso, Jack Cutmore-Scott, series regulars
Hulu, streaming service
20th Television and Searchlight TV, production companies
WHAT:
Gellar stated in her Instagram video, “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 Sunnydale.”
Gellar expressed gratitude towards Chloé Zhao, saying, “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.”
Gellar concluded her video with, “I promise if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.”
Hulu has decided not to move forward with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
The project was tentatively titled "Buffy: New Sunnydale."
Gellar announced the cancellation on Instagram, expressing her sadness.
The pilot was ordered in February 2025.
Gellar was notified of the decision on March 13th, 2026.
WHERE:
The announcement was made via Instagram.
Gellar was in Austin, Texas for the SXSW premiere of "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come."
WHEN:
Gellar shared the news on Instagram on March 15th, 2026.
Gellar was notified of the cancellation on March 13th, 2026.
The reboot was announced to be in development in February 2025.
Gellar shared the news on Instagram on March 15th, 2026.
Gellar was notified of the cancellation on March 13th, 2026.
WHY:
Sources indicated that Hulu is still considering future steps regarding the Buffy franchise and is leaving the door open for a possible new incarnation.
Sources indicated that the pilot was “not perfect” and that Zhao’s sensibility may not have matched the reboot.
Gellar expressed excitement about the project due to Zhao's passion and reasoning for the reboot.
HOW:
The reboot was produced by 20th Television and Searchlight TV, with Zhao directing from a script by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman.
(UPDATED March 15, 2026 07:16 UTC)
On March 15, 2026, Sarah Michelle Gellar shared an emotional video on Instagram announcing that Hulu has decided not to move forward with "Buffy: New Sunnydale," a project she was excited about. In her message, Gellar expressed gratitude to director Chloé Zhao for reigniting her love for the character and reassured fans with a lighthearted promise, saying, “I promise if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.” Sources suggest that while the current project is canceled, Hulu is still considering future possibilities for the Buffy franchise.
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(UPDATED March 15, 2026 01:24 UTC)
Hulu has officially decided not to move forward with the highly anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, which was tentatively titled "Buffy: New Sunnydale," and actress Sarah Michelle Gellar announced the cancellation on Instagram today. Gellar, who was informed of the decision on March 13 while attending the SXSW premiere of "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come" in Austin, Texas, expressed her sadness over the news. The pilot, which was ordered in February 2025 and produced by 20th Television and Searchlight TV with direction from Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, reportedly faced challenges as sources indicated it was “not perfect” and that Zhao’s vision may not have aligned with the reboot's goals.