Sarah Michelle Gellar has personally confirmed to fans that Hulu has officially scrapped plans for a highly anticipated reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The 48-year-old actress, who portrayed the iconic slayer in the original series, admitted she was 'really sad' about the shocking development, having looked forward to stepping back into Buffy's 'stylish yet affordable boots.'
Gellar and Director Feel 'Blindsided'
In a somber video posted to Instagram on Saturday, Gellar, wearing a beige cardigan with her light blonde hair pulled back, revealed that the Disney-owned streaming service 'has decided not to move forward' on the reboot, which was titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale. According to reports from TMZ, both Gellar and the reboot's director, acclaimed filmmaker Chloe Zhao, felt 'blindsided' by the decision and its timing.
Gellar's Heartfelt Message to Fans
Gellar took a moment in her message to thank director Chloe Zhao, stating, 'Thanks to Chloe, I was reminded how much I love Buffy, how much she means not only to me but to all of you, and this doesn’t change any of that.' She added a touch of the series' signature humor, promising, 'And I promise, if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.'
Fan Reactions and Project Details
The announcement sparked immediate disappointment among fans. One commenter called it 'the most disappointing entertainment news of the year,' while others expressed devastation and confusion over Hulu's decision, with some suggesting Netflix should pick up the series. The reboot was announced in February 2025 and was set to star Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the new slayer, with Gellar slated to return in a recurring role, continuing the legacy of the beloved character.
Gellar's Current Projects and Personal Life
This news comes shortly after Gellar's appearance at the SXSW premiere in Austin, Texas, for her new comedy-horror film Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, which garnered strong reviews. Meanwhile, Chloe Zhao's film Hamnet has earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. On a personal note, Gellar continues to make positive headlines with her enduring nearly 25-year marriage to actor Freddie Prinze Jr., whom she met on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer in 1997. The couple, parents to daughter Charlotte Grace, 16, and son Rocky James, 13, tied the knot in 2002 after dating for two years.
Legacy of the Original Series
The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003 for seven seasons on the WB Network, became a cultural phenomenon and huge success, praised for its witty writing and Gellar's strong, complex portrayal of the lead character. Based on the 1992 film starring Kristy Swanson, the series has maintained a dedicated fanbase, making the cancellation of the reboot particularly poignant for both the actress and enthusiasts worldwide.
