Sarah Michelle Gellar on Whether the New Buffy the Vampire Slayer Is a Reboot or a Continuation
Sarah Michelle Gellar has clarified that the upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer series for Hulu is not a reboot, but a continuation of the original story.
The show, described as a “sequel spinoff,” takes place in the same Buffy universe and picks up 25 years after the events of the original series.
“There’s so little I can say about what we just shot. I will say that it’s not a reboot. It’s a continuation of a world. So it’s picking up 25 years later in a world of ‘Buffy,’” Gellar told Entertainment Tonight. She emphasized that the new series will build on the original story rather than reinventing it.
Sarah Michelle Gellar promises fans that the upcoming 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' sequel series has a lot of love and thought behind it! ❤️
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) September 22, 2025
The actress is slaying her next role – starring in the campaign for "There is No Negroni without Campari." 🥂 pic.twitter.com/yHX5LyzsfO
Gellar admitted that returning to the franchise has been both exciting and nerve-wracking. “It’s equal parts incredibly thrilling, but also it’s very nerve-wracking. People have been asking for this for so many years, but everyone also has an opinion on how it should be done. I’m doing it for the fans, so I hope that they love it. It was made with a lot of love and a lot of passion and a lot of thought behind it,” she said.
The series will focus on a new Slayer as the main character, with Buffy Summers appearing in a recurring role. Gellar will reprise her role and also serve as an executive producer.
The pilot is directed by Chloé Zhao, with showrunners Nora and Lila Zuckerman writing the script. Executive producers include Gellar, Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, Kaz Kuzui, and Parton.
Casting for the series began earlier this year. Ryan Kiera Armstrong has been cast as the new Slayer. Series regulars include Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Sarah Bock, Daniel Di Tomasso, and Jack Cutmore-Scott. Additional cast members announced include Merrin Dungey, Audrey Hsieh, Audrey Grace Marshall, and Chase Sui Wonders. Filming for the pilot began in Los Angeles in August.
The project was first reported by Variety in February, noting that Joss Whedon, the original creator, is not involved in the new series. The goal is to introduce Buffy’s universe to a new generation while respecting the story and legacy of the original show.
It’s exciting to see Buffy the Vampire Slayer returning in a way that keeps the original story alive while introducing new characters. Gellar’s emphasis on continuity shows respect for long-time fans, but the series also has a chance to connect with new viewers. Do you think this sequel approach will work better than a full reboot? Share your thoughts in the comments.
