With every generation, a new hero emerges – and it appears to be that time again. According to insider sources, a sequel to the fan-favorite television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is on the verge of being greenlit for a pilot episode by Hulu.
Rumors suggest that Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the eponymous character in the original series, is in the final stages of negotiation to reprise her role in this yet-to-be-named project. However, the series would not center around her character, but rather a new Slayer, with Gellar appearing in a recurring role.
The writing and showrunning team for the sequel series is reported to be Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman. The pair are also set to take on the role of executive producers. Chloé Zhao is reportedly attached to the project as a director and executive producer under her production company, Book of Shadows. Gellar, Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui are all rumored to be executive producers, with the latter two operating through Suite B. Singer and actress Dolly Parton is also expected to serve as an executive producer via her company Sandollar. The production will be overseen by both 20th Television and Searchlight Television. It’s worth noting that Berman, the Kuzuis, and Parton all held executive producer roles on the original series.
When contacted for their comments, representatives of Hulu and 20th Television declined to provide any.
A New Dawn for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
Notably absent from the creative team of the sequel series is Joss Whedon, the creator of the original series and overseer of its seven-season run. Whedon was accused by nearly a dozen people associated with the original “Buffy” and its spin-off series “Angel” of creating a toxic work environment, as reported by Variety in 2021.
Charisma Carpenter, who starred in both “Buffy” and “Angel,” voiced her criticism against Whedon, with her allegations receiving support from her co-stars Amber Benson and Michelle Trachtenberg. In response to these and other allegations in January 2022, Whedon admitted to having been “not mannerly” with Carpenter, but stated that “Most of my experiences with Charisma were delightful and charming.”
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” began as a film starring Kristy Swanson in the main role, with Whedon as the writer and Fran Kuzui as the director. The film was released in 1992, and five years later, a series version featuring Gellar in the titular role made its debut on The WB. The show ran for its first five seasons on The WB before its final two seasons aired on UPN. The series’ cast also included notable actors such as Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, and James Marsters, among others. Boreanaz subsequently led the spinoff series “Angel” on The WB for five seasons.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” has since achieved cult status and has been highly influential since its debut. The series is credited with helping to popularize the concept of ongoing story arcs in television, while also placing a strong female character at its center. It is frequently listed as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
In the past, Whedon wrote a series of comic books with Dark Horse that continued the story of the series, but no new “Buffy” project has ever made it to the screen. As recently as 2018, it was reported that Monica Owusu-Breen was working on a reboot of the series with Whedon serving as an executive producer. However, that version of the project never went forward.
What’s Next for the Cast and Crew?
Gellar is currently starring in the prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” on Paramount+ with Showtime. Besides her memorable role on “Buffy,” Gellar’s other notable TV roles 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, on the other hand, 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. They are also reportedly working on a series adaptation of the novel “The Spy Coast” at Amazon, a scoop that was exclusively reported by Variety.
Zhao received four Oscar nominations for her 2020 film “Nomadland,” which starred Frances McDormand — best director, best editing, best adapted screenplay, and best picture. Zhao won the award for the best director that year, with “Nomadland” taking home the award for the best picture. Zhao is also known for her films “The Rider” and “Songs My Brother Taught Me,” both of which she wrote and directed. She was also the director and co-writer of the Marvel film “Etern
Credit: variety.com
