Sarah Michelle Gellar has this iconic ‘Buffy’ prop
Sarah Michelle Gellar recalls the moment Chloé Zhao gave her a replica prop on the final day of filming Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A New Sunnydale.
After all, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will never rise from the dead.
Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed on Instagram on Saturday, March 14, that Hulu has decided not to move forward with its planned Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
“I’m really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear this from me,” she said in a video message.
USA TODAY has reached out to Hulu for comment.
Gellar was scheduled to reprise her role as Buffy Summers in the sequel to the classic TV series, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale,” which was first announced in 2025. The show’s pilot episode was filmed last year and was directed by “Hamnet” filmmaker Chloe Zhao.
In addition to Gellar, the pilot’s cast included Ryan Keira Armstrong and Chase Sui Wonders. In May 2025, Geller shared an emotional video of himself telling 16-year-old Armstrong that he had been cast as the new killer. “From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl I wanted by my side,” Geller wrote at the time.
Hulu’s decision came as a shock to fans and is a rare example of such a high-profile television project being canceled before it even airs. It’s unclear at this point whether a “Buffy” sequel might happen in another form.
Geller provided no information about the reason for Hulu’s move. However, she thanked Ms. Zhao in the video and said, “I never thought I’d get to wear Buffy’s stylish yet affordable boots again.” He added: “Chloe reminded me how much I love her and how much she means to not only me but to you all. And nothing will change that.”
Geller also seems to have indicated that he’s still open to revisiting the character in the future.
“If the apocalypse really comes, I promise you’ll beep me,” she said.
The original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” aired for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003, centering on the adventures of Geller’s eponymous vampire slayer and her friends. The reboot will take place 25 years after the original series.
In an interview with USA TODAY earlier this year, Gellar said it was “emotional” to be on the set of “New Sunnydale,” as he never thought he would “play that role again.” She also noted that this show is a continuation of the same universe as the original show.
Geller’s announcement came as he promoted his role in the horror sequel “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” which premiered March 13 at the South by Southwest Festival.
Contributor: Alison Moses
