For two decades, fans have been clamoring for a return of Buffy the Vampire Slayer… but this time, it might be happening, with many of the best circumstances: Sarah Michelle Gellar is expected to appear in a recurring role, toxic creator Joss Whedon is not involved, Oscar winner Chloe Zhao is set to direct the pilot, and the writers for the pilot (Nora and Lilla Zuckerman) come from Poker Face, a show that starred a very unique and strong woman.
Deadline is reporting that Hulu is the interested outlet and is eyeing a pilot order. Gellar long resisted the notion of returning to Buffy before softening on the idea late last year. “It’s funny, I always used to say no, because it’s in its bubble and it’s so perfect,” she said. “But watching Sex and the City and seeing Dexter, and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’” It was after that that the ball apparently started rolling here.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer was originally a movie starring Kristy Swanson in the title role; the TV series was much more well-loved, airing from 1997-2001 on The WB and 2001-2003 on UPN. It has inspired multiple comic books, a spinoff, as well as a generation of fans, though sentiment around the series soured for some time after allegations surfaced against creator Joss Whedon. A revival of the series, if successful, could easily restore the goodwill the original series engendered decades ago.
You can read Deadline’s full report here.
