TheBuffy the Vampire Slayerreboot has received an exciting update from Sarah Michelle Gellar. Gellar played the titular character for seven seasons from 1997-2003, and stated for years that the series ran its course, and that she was done with the role. However, Gellar is returning for aBuffy the Vampire Slayerrebootwith Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao directing the pilot episode for Hulu and showrunners Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman. Gellar will be a recurring guest star and an executive producer. Ryan Kiera Armstrong will lead the series as a new Slayer, with no other casting announcements made yet.
In an interview withVanity Fair, Gellar assures that the reboot will be lighter in tone than the final few seasons of the original show. She also says the creative team is trying to find a balance with new and old characters, withher hope that everyone who was killed off can return. She adds that part of updating the series for modern times is the feeling of being an outsider when things like social media are omnipresent. Check out her comments below:
It will be lighter than the last few seasons of the original. We will try to find a balance between new and old characters. My dream is to bring back everyone who has died, but space will have to be made for new stories as well.
One of the surprising aspects of Buffy is that it’s always been a crossover series. We’re trying to figure out how to modernize the themes of the series, especially what it means to feel like an outsider in a world dominated by social media. What we want to explore are the space-time boundaries that affect society today.
What Gellar’s Comments Mean For The Buffy Reboot
The Series Sounds Like A Good Mix Of New & Nostalgia
While the show ended on a satisfying note,Buffy the Vampire Slayerwill have to address some storylinesto move forward. BothBuffy the Vampire Slayerand its spinoffAngelbecame famous for killing off beloved characters. Gellar’s comments are interesting because they sound likeany character could have the potential to return in some form. This could include Angel and Spike, whose fates are unknown after theAngelseries finale, Jenny Calendar, Tara, Anya, Cordelia, or even Jonathan.
While any fan of the series would be excited about long-dead characters' return, the series also has to move forward. The balancing act the reboot will have to face is how much to lean into what’s come before, while adding in new characters for the narrative to follow.Gellar is very aware of the impactBuffy the Vampire Slayerhas had, and her comments make the new series sound like it’s taking the right approach.
Our Take On Gellar’s Comments
It’s The Right Time To Bring Buffy Back
Reboots are a tricky thing to get right. Some lean too far into nostalgia and callbacks, making it a poor imitation, while others focus too much on trying to create something separate from the original. Not only is Gellar returning after waiting decades for the right reason to bringBuffy the Vampire Slayerback, but the creative team is exciting. The active decision not to have the new show be as dark as the later seasons also shows an understanding of what will work with a new and returning audience.
The series was reflective of the time it came out, so updating it with modern technology makes sense. Technology always played a role, from Willow participating in online dating with a demon, to using Google to try and find out information about someone, or the iconic line, “If the apocalypse comes, beep me.” This latest update from Gellar is thrilling as theBuffy the Vampire Slayerreboot sounds like it’s on the right track.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sequel Series
Cast
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel series puts a brand new slayer in the spotlight and carries on the continuity of the iconic seven-season original series. Sarah Michelle Gellar returns as the titular Buffy Summers in a supporting role.
