Sarah Michelle Gellar took to social media in March 2026 to disclose that Hulu had canceled the long-awaited “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot. Following this, followers of the collection vented their anger at Hulu, with many citing reveals the streamer had greenlit that didn’t catch on, saying that “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale” would have been successful. Now, following the backlash, two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao, who directed the pilot episode of the “Buffy” reboot, is talking out.
Chloe Zhao Hints At A Future For The ‘Buffy’ Universe
Hulu ordered the pilot for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale” in early 2024. In response to PAPER Journalthe solid and crew wrapped manufacturing in September 2025. Sadly, as talked about, the streaming large determined to not greenlight the present after seeing the pilot.
Extra not too long ago, Zhao attended the 2026 Oscars, the place her movie “Hamnet” was nominated for eight awards, together with Greatest Director. Whereas on the crimson carpet, she spoke to a Selection interviewer, who requested whether or not she was shocked that Hulu didn’t give the present a full-season order.
She stated, “I used to be not shocked.” When requested why, she stated, “Effectively, you recognize, I had an unimaginable, unimaginable time with Sarah. With the entire solid and crew doing this, and we before everything see ourselves because the guardians of the unique present.”
Zhao went on, “Our precedence, for us and Sarah, has at all times been to be truthful to the present, to be truthful to our followers. So, issues occur for a cause, and we maintain our hearts open, and we welcome the thriller.”
The interviewer then requested if they might strive purchasing “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale” to a distinct community. She responded earlier than strolling away, “Welcome the thriller.”
What Sarah Michelle Gellar Mentioned About ‘Buffy’ Being Canceled
Gellar has posted in regards to the “Buffy” reboot a number of occasions on social media because it was confirmed they had been filming a pilot. This consists of her sharing a photograph of the solid’s first desk learn. Gellar introduced Hulu’s resolution to not transfer ahead with it by way of a March 14 Instagram put up.
She stated in an Instagram video, “So, I’m actually unhappy to must share this, however I wished you all to listen to it from me. Sadly, Hulu has determined to not transfer ahead with Buffy: New Sunnydale.”
After that, she thanked Zhao, saying, “I by no means thought I might discover myself again in Buffy’s fashionable but reasonably priced boots, and due to Chloe, I used to be reminded how a lot I really like her, and the way a lot she means not solely to me, however to all of you. And this doesn’t change any of that.”
Followers Are Blended On The Information
As with information of any reboot, there was some skepticism surrounding “Buffy The Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale.” Nonetheless, basically, followers of the unique collection had been excited, particularly with Gellar returning and Zhao’s involvement.
Following the information of the surprising cancellation and Zhao’s feedback, one fan speculated, “Hulu wished to vary the present, they usually didn’t wish to. That is what Hulu does! We would like Buffy! We waited! We would like it again!”
One other individual requested, “‘We’ and ‘ourselves’ ‘our followers’ Chloe was not a part of the OG collection, why does she really feel such possession?”
Another person stated, “I like the aspiration, however I don’t see how this group can see themselves as ‘the guardians of the unique present.’ They selected to not contain a SINGLE one of many unique writers.”
Lastly, one other “Buffy” fan stated, “Effectively, I really like the truth that they wished to remain true to the unique, so that basically sucks. Justice for Buffy reboot!”
Sarah Michelle Gellar Mentioned The Reboot Would Honor The Authentic
As talked about, Gellar grew to become one of many champions of the “Buffy” reboot, regardless of beforehand opposing the concept. She spoke to IGN in September 2025 in regards to the pilot, saying that it could honor “the present’s unique DNA.”
In response to Gellar, “Fandoms like ‘Buffy’ nonetheless resonate at the moment — as a result of it’s not simply in regards to the present, however in regards to the group that’s grown round it. For me, the center of ‘Buffy’ was at all times about discovered household, that sense of belonging and being beloved for who you’re, and that’s extra necessary now than ever.
She added, “That’s what makes this new chapter so significant: it’s not simply revisiting the previous however honoring the present’s unique DNA. The truth that folks nonetheless carry such love for the present in any case these years is extremely particular.”
The ‘Buffy’ Alum Has A New Film Coming Out
Neither Zhao nor Gellar was enthusiastic about Hulu’s resolution to not transfer ahead with the “Buffy” reboot. Nonetheless, each girls have a lot to be enthusiastic about of their respective careers. For Zhao, her film, “Hamnet,” gained one Oscar for Greatest Actress.
Concerning Gellar, she’s in a brand new film, “Prepared or Not 2: Right here I Come,” which is about to hit theaters on March 20. Early opinions for the film are stable, with an 83% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes. She additionally appeared in 2025’s “I Know What You Did Final Summer time.”