Chloe Zhao spoke about the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' reboot and thanked Sarah Michelle Gellar after Hulu shelved the project
Chloé Zhao spoke publicly for the first time about the cancellation of her Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. During a red carpet interview with Variety at the 2026 Oscars on Sunday, March 15, Zhao, 43, reflected on Hulu’s unfortunate decision after creating the reboot’s pilot and preparing to direct and executive produce Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale.
“I had an incredible, incredible time with Sarah , with all the cast and crew doing this. And we, first and foremost, see ourselves as the guardians of the original show,” Zhao told the outlet. “Our priority for Sarah and for us has always been to be truthful to the show, to be truthful to our fans. So, things happen for a reason, and we keep our hearts open and we welcome the mystery, and what this might lead us to.” The outlet then asked whether Zhao, who was nominated for a best director Academy Award for her work on Hamnet but missed out to One Battle After Another’s Paul Thomas Anderson, would shop the project “to other distributors.”Gellar, 48, announced in an Instagram video on Saturday, March 14, that Hulu decided “not to move forward” with the reboot, which would have seen her reprise her role as Buffy Summers from the WB’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The original series aired from 1997 to 2003. “So I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me – unfortunately Hulu has decided not to move forward with Buffy: New Sunnydale,” Gellar, 48, said. “I want to thank Chloé Zhao because 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.” Zhao responded directly to Gellar’s announcement, writing, “Grateful for you, always” alongside a tearful smiley face emoji in the comments section. Fans were quick to pick up on the stars’ interaction, sharing support for the project and also urging Zhao to find a Hulu alternative. “@chloezhao We believe in you! Please keep shopping it around! Buffy fans will support you to the ends of the earth!,” one fan wrote in response to Zhao’s comment. Us Weekly confirmed in February 2025 that Gellar would once again step into Buffy’s shoes, noting that she would star alongside a new vampire slayer portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Gellar told Us at the time, “It’s incredibly emotionally overwhelming. It’s just a place I didn’t know that I would find myself. While it was new, it was also incredibly familiar, and I feel very lucky.” Armstrong, 16, spoke about the project’s cancellation hours after Gellar’s announcement, taking to her own Instagram to reflect on fan support. “I wanted to come on here and say thank you for all of the support that you guys have given me and this show throughout the last couple months. It’s been really special,” she said in a video. “I also want to say thank you to all the fans who believed in this new chapter, and who believed in me, so thank you guys. Thank you to the cast I worked with. You guys are awesome.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Buffy' series revival 'New Sunnydale' not moving forward at Hulu, Sarah Michelle Gellar revealsInvestigators warn Nancy Guthrie’s abductor could strike again as chilling clues and resurfaced footage raise new questions in the ongoing search. Cindy Crawford sparks debate online after revealing her 2.5-hour luxury morning routine that some fans say screams wealth.
Read more »
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Reboot Not Moving Forward at Hulu, Sarah Michelle Gellar SaysThe series was in development since February 2025 with Oscar winner Chloé Zhao attached to direct.
Read more »
Hulu Abruptly Cancels Buffy The Vampire Slayer Sequel SeriesThe reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is officially dead at Hulu, with Sarah Michelle Gellar sharing the disappointing news in a message to fans.
Read more »
Buffy’s New Slayer Reveals First-Look Image & Addresses Sequel Series’ Sudden CancellationBuffy Summers in Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Read more »
Being Human: The Underrated Vampire Show That Outshines BuffyThe Master and Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 1
Read more »
“Not Surprised”: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Revival Director Officially Responds to Hulu CancellationHulu decided to pass on Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, and Chloé Zhao has now spoken out about that decision.
Read more »