Chloé Zhao Confirms the New BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Series Is a True Sequel with Returning OG Characters
The Slayerverse is officially expanding and Chloé Zhao wants everyone to know exactly what kind of show she is making. The filmmaker directed the pilot for the upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer series for Hulu and serves as an executive producer.
While many fans have been calling it a reboot, Zhao set the record straight and revealed that the new show is firmly a sequel that honors what came before.
Zhao recently wrapped filming on the pilot, which introduces Star Wars: Skeleton Crew actor Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Nova, the new Slayer who steps into the spotlight. Gellar is back in full Buffy mode, and Zhao made it clear during a conversation with Variety that this project builds directly on the original series.
Here is how she explained it: “It is not a reboot. It’s a sequel. You can never replace these characters. I would never allow that. And Sarah’s back. I love my cast, the new cast. We will bring back OG characters for sure.
“And it is a show that bridges two generations — it’s not just about the kids. I think the fandom is so important to us. We want the fandom to see themselves mirrored in the original fandom. And of course, we want new fans to join, and it’s very much about both generations.”
Her love for the original series runs deep, and she shared just how meaningful Buffy has been to her personally:
“I watched religiously. I was at Mount Holyoke. We would all gather — I think it was every Thursday or Tuesday — and we would watch, because you only get one episode and you’re waiting a week. It’s such a ritual.
“I remember the last episode finishing, and we sat there; everyone was crying, and we were all holding hands. I remember looking at the screen, tears streaming down my eyes, and I said, “Good luck to you, Buffy Summers, good luck to you.” Seeing Sarah in real life was probably one of the most stressful moments of my life.”
Her enthusiasm and connection to the mythology make this sequel series feel like it is in good hands.
Because the project continues established canon, it won’t replace the original cast. Instead, returning characters act as the bridge between longtime viewers and new fans.
With Gellar back, it opens the door for other favorites to return as well. That includes characters like Willow Rosenberg, originally played by Alyson Hannigan, and Rupert Giles, played by Anthony Head. Even fallen characters are not completely off the table thanks to the supernatural nature of the Buffyverse.
Nova and the new cast will anchor the story and carry the action. Along with Armstrong, the series features Sarah Bock, Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Daniel di Tomasso, Jack Cutmore-Scott, and Kingston Vernes.
Expect them to take on their own fights against vampires, demons, and the dangers lurking in Sunnydale while learning from the icons who came before them.
Reports point to a potential 2026 Hulu premiere, although the show still needs a formal series order. The pilot may already be ready, so the ball is in Hulu’s court. If the network moves forward, fans can trust that the show will not rewrite the world they love but instead continue it with respect and fresh energy.
I’m excited to see how this show turns out!