Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed Saturday that Hulu has scrapped its planned reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, titled Buffy: New Sunnydale.

In an Instagram video posted March 14, the original Buffy star and executive producer expressed her disappointment directly to fans. "So, I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me," Gellar said. "Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with Buffy: New Sunnydale." She thanked director Chloé Zhao, adding, "I never thought I would find myself back in Buffy's stylish yet affordable boots, and thanks to Chloé, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means not only to me, but to all of you." Gellar ended with a nod to the original series, promising, "If the apocalypse actually comes… you can still beep me."

The project had been in development since February 2025, when Hulu ordered a pilot. Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, known for Nomadland and Eternals, directed the pilot from a script by sisters Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, creators of Poker Face. Gellar reprised her role as Buffy Summers in a recurring capacity, while Ryan Kiera Armstrong starred as the new slayer. The cast included series regulars Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Sarah Bock, Daniel DiTomasso and Jack Cutmore-Scott, with Chase Sui Wonders in a guest role.

Production came from 20th Television and Searchlight Television, with executive producers including Gellar, Zhao, the Zuckermans and original Buffy producers Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui. Filming for the pilot took place in Los Angeles as recently as August 2025.

Sources indicated the pilot was viewed as "not perfect," with Zhao's directorial style not aligning ideally with the project's needs. Discussions about reworking it occurred as late as this week, but Hulu ultimately passed. Gellar learned of the decision Friday night, shortly after attending the SXSW premiere of her film Ready or Not 2: Here I Come in Austin.

Despite the cancellation, Hulu remains interested in the Buffy intellectual property and intends to explore other potential iterations of the franchise. The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003 on The WB, becoming a cultural phenomenon for its blend of horror, humor and feminist themes. It spawned the spinoff Angel, which ran until 2004.

This marks another setback for revival efforts. A separate reboot was announced for HBO Max in 2021 with new writers but stalled amid creative differences and the departure of key personnel. The classic series is currently streaming on Hulu.