Buffy: New Sunnydale, the sequel series to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, is no longer happening.
Sarah Michelle Gellar broke the news herself on Instagram, saying Hulu opted to “not move forward” with the show, which was first announced back in February 2025. Gellar thanked executive producer Chloé Zhao for giving her the chance to get back in Buffy’s “stylish, yet affordable boots,” and reminding her of the character’s impact. This cancellation “doesn’t change that,” and she signed off with a promise that “if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.”
Set 25 years after the original series New Sunnydale would’ve paired an older Buffy with Ryan Kiera Armstrong’s Nova, the next in the Slayer line. At the time, the cast was filled with new characters played by the likes of Chase Sui Wonders, Ava Jean, and others, with no word on any returning stars from the original. Production on the pilot took place last August with Zhao attached to direct. Additional context from Deadline claimed the pilot was “not perfect,” and said a rework was considered before the call was made to fully scrap it.
Before this, there’d been hopes of more Buffy for years. At time of writing, Hulu has yet to issue a statement on the revival’s cancellation. This news also comes in the same breath as Fox’s X-Files getting a new series from Ryan Coogler that’ll be on Hulu, and a continuation of some kind for Firefly, the show created by Joss Whedon after Buffy and Angel.
Hulu is reportedly still interested in Buffy as an IP and is looking to “regroup and mull a possible new incarnation of the beloved franchise.”
Update: 3/14/2026 @ 1:53PM ET: This story was updated with additional reporting from Deadline.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
English (US) ·