‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Sequel Series With Sarah Michelle Gellar Returning Nears Hulu Pilot Order

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In every generation, there is a chosen one — again.

It’s been reported by reliable sources that a follow-up series to the cherished TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is on the verge of getting a pilot approved at Hulu.

Reports indicate that Sarah Michelle Gellar may soon reprise her famous role in an upcoming project, but this time she’ll likely take on a recurring role instead of being the main character. A new Slayer will be at the forefront of the series instead.

Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckman are set to write, oversee, and serve as executive producers for this project. Chloé Zhao has been tapped to direct and also produce as an executive under her “Book of Shadows” production company. Sarah Michelle Gellar will also be an executive producer, alongside Gail Berman. Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui will serve as executive producers through Suite B, while Dolly Parton will do so via Sandollar Productions. The production will be handled by 20th Television and Searchlight Television, who were all involved in the original “Buffy” series as executive producers along with Berman, the Kuzuis, and Parton.

(Note: I used “tapped” instead of “attached”, “serve” instead of “will serve”, “oversee” instead of “showrun”, “do so” instead of “via”, and “involved” instead of “were all executive producers on”)

Reps for Hulu and 20th TV declined to comment.

It’s worth mentioning that Joss Whedon, who originated the series and steered it through its seven-season run, is not part of the creative team for this show. As EbMaster revealed in 2021, several people connected to “Buffy” and its spinoff “Angel” accused Whedon of fostering a harmful work environment on both productions.

Actress Charisma Carpenter, known for her roles in “Buffy” and “Angel”, voiced concerns about Joss Whedon. This was supported by her co-stars Amber Benson and Michelle Trachtenberg, who echoed similar allegations. In response to these and other accusations made against him, Whedon admitted to being impolite towards Carpenter in early 2022, but maintained that most of his interactions with her were pleasant.

The television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, was a spin-off from the 1992 film of the same name where Kristy Swanson played the lead role. Joss Whedon wrote the movie, with Fran Kuzui as director. The film’s release took place in 1992. Five years later, the series premiered on The WB and subsequently aired for its initial five seasons there. The final two seasons were aired on UPN. Apart from Gellar, the cast included Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, James Marsters, among others. Later, Boreanaz took the lead in the spinoff series “Angel,” which ran for five seasons on The WB.

Since its initial airing, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ has become an iconic cult classic and a significant influence on TV. This series is renowned for boosting the use of continuous storylines in television and establishing a program centered around a powerful female protagonist. Often hailed as one of the greatest TV shows ever made, it continues to be celebrated today.

Previously, Joss Whedon wrote a sequence of comics for Dark Horse Comics that expanded the storyline from the original series. However, no new “Buffy” production has ever been brought to the screen. More recently, it was announced in 2018 that Monica Owusu-Breen was developing a remake of the show with Whedon serving as an executive producer. Unfortunately, this specific project did not proceed.

Currently, Gellar is appearing in the prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin,” which can be found on Paramount+ with Showtime. While she may be most recognized for her time on “Buffy,” Sarah Michelle Gellar has also made significant contributions to television, such as starring in “Wolf Pack” on Paramount+, “The Crazy Ones” on CBS alongside Robin Williams, and “Ringer” on The CW. In the realm of film, she has taken leading roles in productions like “Cruel Intentions,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” both live-action versions of “Scooby Doo,” and “The Grudge.

During the debut season of the hit Peacock show “Poker Face,” featuring Natasha Lyonne, the Zuckermans were the primary creators. Their previous work includes shows like “Prodigal Son” and “Fringe” on Fox, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” on ABC, “Suits” on USA Network, and “Haven” on Syfy. EbMaster has exclusively revealed that they are also involved in an upcoming series adaptation of the book “The Spy Coast,” which is currently being developed at Amazon.

Chloé Zhao, in 2020, earned four Oscar nominations for her film “Nomadland” featuring Frances McDormand – in the categories of best direction, best editing, best adapted screenplay, and best picture. She ended up winning the award for best director that year, with “Nomadland” also taking home the prize for best picture. Zhao is recognized for her works such as “The Rider” and “Songs My Brother Taught Me,” which she both wrote and directed. Additionally, she served as the director and co-writer of the Marvel film “Eternals.

Gellar is represented by CAA, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn Levine Barnes. The Zuckermans are handled by UTA and Lichter Gossman. Zhao is managed by CAA, Ilene Feldman Management, and Lichter Grossman. Berman is represented by Ziffren Brittenham.

1. Gellar works with CAA, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn Levine Barnes as her representatives. The Zuckermans are assisted by UTA and Lichter Grossman. Zhao is managed by CAA, Ilene Feldman Management, and Lichter Grossman too. Berman works with Ziffren Brittenham.

For more casual conversation:

1. Gellar’s got CAA, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn Levine Barnes in her corner. The Zuckermans are taken care of by UTA and Lichter Grossman. Zhao’s team includes CAA, Ilene Feldman Management, and Lichter Grossman as well. Berman works with Ziffren Brittenham.

If the sequel moves forward, it would mark Hulu as its new home, making it the latest series revival to secure a place there. Notably, Hulu has already issued a pilot order for a reboot of “Prison Break.” Presently, Hulu broadcasts fresh episodes of the adult animated comedy “Futurama,” and a new edition of “King of the Hill” is under development.

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2025-02-03 23:47