There will no longer be a chosen one, as Hulu has passed on its Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot that was originally announced last February. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the titular role in the series, announced on Instagram that the project is now dead, marking an end to a revival that would have come over 20 years after its final bow.
“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,” said the actress in a video. “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.”
The Oscar-winning director was set to helm a screenplay written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face), with the premise focusing on a new and younger slayer. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew alumnus Ryan Keira Armstrong was cast in the role, joining Gellar as the returning Buffy Summers and a would-be executive producer.
Closing out her message, the latter added, “And I promise, if the apocalypse actually comes, you could still beep me” — a reference to a fan-favourite quote by her character in the show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hulu is leaving the door open, and next steps are still up in the air.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer originated as a 1992 comedy horror film, starring Kristy Swanson as the eponymous vampire slayer. Gellar took over the role on TV for seven seasons starting in 1997, with series regulars taking the form of Faly Rakotohavana as Hugo, Ava Jean as Larkin, Sarah Bock as Gracie, Daniel Di Tomasso as Abe, and Jack Cutmore-Scott as Mr Burke.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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