In every generation, there is a chosen one — again.
Variety has learned from sources that a sequel series to the beloved show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is nearing a pilot order at Hulu.
Sources say that Sarah Michelle Gellar is in final talks to once again play the iconic title character in the untitled project, although it would focus on a new Slayer and Gellar would appear in a recurring role rather than leading the series.
Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman are attached to write, showrun, and executive produce. Chloé Zhao is attached to direct and executive produce under her Book of Shadows production banner. Gellar would also executive produce along with Gail Berman. Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui will executive produce via Suite B, while Dolly Parton will executive produce via Sandollar. 20th Television and Searchlight Television will produce. Berman, the Kuzuis, and Parton were all executive producers on the original “Buffy” series.
Reps for Hulu and 20th TV declined to comment.
Noticeably absent from the show’s creative team is Joss Whedon, who created the original series and oversaw its seven-season run. As Variety reported in 2021, Whedon was accused of creating a toxic work environment on both “Buffy” and the spinoff series “Angel” by nearly a dozen people associated with the show.
“Buffy” and “Angel” actress Charisma Carpenter also spoke out against Whedon, with fellow cast members like Amber Benson and Michelle Trachtenberg backing up her allegations. Whedon responded to those and other allegations against him in January 2022, admitting that he had been “not mannerly” with Carpenter but otherwise saying “Most of my experiences with Charisma were delightful and charming.”
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” originated as a film starring Kristy Swanson in the title role. Whedon wrote the film with Fran Kuzui directing. It was released in 1992. Five years later, the series version starring Gellar debuted on The WB. It would air on The WB for its first five seasons before airing its final two seasons on UPN. The cast also included Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, and James Marsters among others. Boreanaz would then head up the spinoff series “Angel” at The WB for five seasons.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” has proven to be a massive cult hit and highly influential since its debut. The series is credited for helping to popularize ongoing story arcs in television while also building a show around a strong female lead. It is frequently cited as one of the best television shows of all time.
Whedon previously penned a series of comic books with Dark Horse that continued the story of the series, though no new “Buffy” project has ever made it to screen. Most recently, it was reported in 2018 that Monica Owusu-Breen was working on a reboot of the series with Whedon onboard as an executive producer. Ultimately, that version of the project never went forward.
Gellar can currently be seen in the prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” on Paramount+ with Showtime. Though she is perhaps best known for her time on “Buffy,” Gellar’s other notable TV credits include Paramount+’s “Wolf Pack,” CBS’ ”The Crazy Ones” opposite Robin Williams, and The CW’s “Ringer.” In film, she has starred in features like “Cruel Intentions,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” the two live-action “Scooby Doo” movies, and “The Grudge.”
The Zuckermans were the showrunners on the popular Peacock series “Poker Face” starring Natasha Lyonne during the show’s first season. Their past credits include “Prodigal Son” and “Fringe” at Fox, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” at ABC, “Suits” at USA Network, and “Haven” at Syfy. Variety exclusively reported they are also attached to a series adaptation of the novel “The Spy Coast” currently in the works at Amazon.
Zhao received four Oscar nominations for her 2020 film “Nomadland” starring Frances McDormand — best director, best editing, best adapted screenplay, and best picture. Zhao went on to win best director that year with “Nomadland” winning best picture. Zhao is also known for her films “The Rider” and “Songs My Brother Taught Me,” both of which she also wrote and directed. Zhao was also the director and co-writer of the Marvel film “Eternals.”
Gellar is repped by CAA, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn Levine Barnes. The Zuckermans are repped by UTA and Lichter Grossman. Zhao is repped by CAA, Ilene Feldman Management, and Lichter Grossman. Berman is repped by Ziffren Brittenham.
Should the sequel show proceed, it would be the latest series revival to find a home at Hulu. Most recently, Hulu gave a pilot order to a reboot of “Prison Break.” The streamer currently airs new episodes of the adult animated comedy “Futurama,” while a new installment of “King of the Hill” is currently in the works.
