Sarah Michelle Gellar Reveals How Buffy Reboot Will Stand Alongside Original Series

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Enthusiasts of the classic show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” whether fresh or longtime fans, were ecstatic when news of a revival broke out earlier this year. The original series, airing from 1997 to 2003, garnered two Primetime Emmys and spawned the hit spin-off “Angel.” Recently, star Sarah Michelle Gellar shared what prompted her agreement for the show’s revival, a decision twenty-two years after the series ended its run. In a recent chat on SiriusXM Hits 1’s The Morning Mash Up with co-star Alyson Hannigan, Gellar cited the reboot’s director, Chloé Zhao (known for “Eternals”), and creators Lilla and Nora Zuckerman’s (creators of “Poker Face”) plan to advance Buffy Summers’ narrative instead of retelling the same story.

According to Gellar, “Everyone was simply trying to remake it. The Zuckermans, however, had a plan for where the story should progress next. Given that Alyson and I now have teenagers, we can see how the cycle of life shapes our needs.

“Absolutely,” said Hannigan. “We used to play teens, and now we have teens.”

The forthcoming Buffy series on Hulu is now being prepared for production, featuring a revival of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s iconic character alongside a fresh Slayer lead. It was recently disclosed that Ryan Kiera Armstrong (from the show “Skeleton Crew”) has secured the role and will be co-starring with Gellar in this new adaptation. As of now, specifics about Armstrong’s character and her connection to Gellar’s Buffy are being kept confidential.

Gellar Hopes New Buffy Series Will Provide Comfort for Viewers

In contrast to numerous reboots, the latest version of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” seems to be deeply rooted in affection and respect for the initial series, rather than a cold, financially-driven attempt by a production company. Gellar’s return, coupled with Zhao’s involvement (a director who won an Oscar for “Nomadland”), lends credence to this idea.

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan have pondered on why Buffy remains relevant even after it stopped airing in the early 2000s, and why its continuation is still worthwhile after two decades. According to Gellar, “It becomes clear as time passes that the show continues to resonate. Sometimes you revisit a show that you cherished, but it feels different now. However, Buffy continues to impact people who are watching it for the first time. They recognize themselves and their friends in it, and they discover their chosen family.

Hanigan readily acknowledged that her co-stars on Buffy felt like a close-knit family while working on the show. Later, Gellar expressed her hope that when the Buffy reboot series airs next year, it will offer viewers solace and bonding in today’s contentious political and media environment. “I believe, more than ever now, as we grow increasingly divided, we need that sense of chosen family,” she said. With an impressive lineup of both new talents and familiar faces, there’s a strong chance the series will fulfill Gellar’s aspirations for it.

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2025-05-19 23:09