Following Monday's exciting news that a Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel series is nearing a pilot order at Hulu, star Sarah Michelle Gellar – set to return as the titular slayer – has confirmed news that the series is shaping up with a statement on Instagram.
Oscar winner Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) is set to direct and produce, with Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman attached to write, showrun, and executive produce.
Previously, as she outlined on Instagram today, Gellar had said she was “too tired and cranky” to return to her role as Buffy Summers, that a reboot of the show would be unnecessary, with her at the helm at least. Gellar's return is expected to be in a supporting role rather than leading the series.
Here's what the star had to say on Instagram (also seen below):
So….. you might have heard some news this week, but I realize you haven’t heard from me.
Three years ago, I got a call from my dear friend and mentor, Gail Berman. She told me that she wanted me to sit down with Chloé Zhao to hear her take on a potential “Buffy” revival. I was blown away that Chloé even knew who I was, but, as I’ve always done, I told Gail that I just didn’t see a way for the show to exist again. We’d always been aligned on that, but this time I heard something different in her voice. I eventually agreed to go (mainly just to meet Chloé) and our twenty minute coffee quickly turned into a four hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us.
While I didn’t agree to anything at that meeting, I did shock myself by agreeing to continue the conversation. These conversations did, in fact, continue over the next few years and eventually we added the incredible Nora and Lilla Zuckerman to our little tribe until ultimately, one day, we landed on an idea.
I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit “Buffy” and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right. This has been a long process, and it’s not over yet. I promise you, we will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there.
I feel so lucky to be on this journey with these four unbelievably talented women, all of whom love “Buffy” as much as I do. And as much as you do. Thank you to all the fans who never stopped asking for this. This will be for you.
Although many Buffy fans were understandably apprehensive about a new chapter in the slayer saga, Gellar's statement really does sound like they're onto a winner here. This is clearly a project close to Gellar's heart, and it's hard to imagine she would agree to come back for something she didn't have total faith in.
Also executive producing the series alongside the Zuckermans are Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui via Suite B, and Dolly Parton (yes, that Dolly Parton) who will executive produce via Sandollar. 20th Television and Searchlight Television will produce.
Check out Gellar's post over on Instagram and look out for more Buffy series news as we get it.
