Sarah Michelle Gellar Shocked by Buffy Sequel News – Here’s Why!

Like a stake through the heart… It’s bad news for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: the iconic series led by Sarah Michelle Gellar will not be resurrected. Hulu, which was developing the project, has indeed decided not to order a full season after viewing the pilot episode, filmed last year.

“Buffy” Will Not Return to Our Screens

On Instagram, the iconic Slayer herself made the announcement. Sarah Michelle Gellar stated in a heartfelt video, “I’m really sad to tell you this, but I wanted you to hear it from me. Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with ‘Buffy: New Sunnydale’.“

“I want to thank Chloé Zhao [the director] because I never thought I’d find myself back in Buffy’s stylish yet affordable shoes. Thanks to Chloé, I remembered how much I love her and how much she matters, not only to me but also to all of you. And that doesn’t change anything…,” assured Sarah Michelle Gellar.

But that’s not all! The star of the series also gave an interview to People magazine shortly after, in which she clarified the situation further. Sarah Michelle Gellar shared, “Let me tell you, no one saw this coming. No one expected it… One of the heads [at Hulu] did not like the original Buffy series and was proud to constantly remind us that he had never watched it in its entirety because it wasn’t for him.“

“It’s tough when you’re dealing with a work as beloved as Buffy, not only by the whole world but also by Chloé and myself. It gives you an idea of the difficult battle we were fighting from day one, when your leader is literally proud to tell you that he hasn’t watched it.“

“It hurts. I’m sad about how it was handled and by the timing [SMG is promoting her new movie Wedding Nightmare 2 and Chloé Zhao was attending the Oscars]. Buffy is timeless. And the only thing I want all the fans to know is that this legacy is still here, and this story does not diminish that. It does not change it. This legacy is still here, for them.“

For her part, Chloé Zhao spoke on the red carpet at the 2026 Oscars (her film Hamnet was nominated eight times) about Hulu’s decision not to continue the Buffy adventure. She revealed, “I was not surprised. I had an absolutely incredible time, really incredible, with Sarah, with the entire cast and crew working on this project.”

“Above all, we see ourselves as guardians of the original series. Our priority, for Sarah and for all of us, has always been to remain true to the series, to stay true to the fans. So, things happen for a reason, and we keep our hearts open while accepting a part of mystery and whatever it may lead us to.“

“I’m Really Proud of What We Did”

Ryan Kiera Armstrong also took to her social networks to comment on the news in one of her stories. The actress, who had been chosen to play the heir to our favorite vampire slayer, said, “(…) Thank you for all the support you have given me and the series (…) I’m really proud of what we did. I’m sad that you can’t see it, but it doesn’t take away from the experience I had.”

Despite this setback, could Buffy come back to life on a platform other than Hulu? Do Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chloé Zhao plan to sell their story elsewhere? The director playfully answered this question: “Welcome to the mystery…” Finally, a source indicates that Hulu does not plan to give up on the franchise and might consider relaunching it in a different way, with “a new incarnation.”