Sarah Michelle Gellar breaks silence on Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot

In every generation... There is a chosen one - and luckily for us, it's none other than Sarah Michelle Gellar, who has confirmed that she is 'on the path' to creating a reboot of the iconic supernatural series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So, Buffy fans rejoice, as it is looking like we might just be getting the next chapter in the Buffyverse...

Releasing an emotional statement about the upcoming project, Sarah has also confirmed that working alongside Gail Berman, Chloé Zhao and Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, they've 'landed on an idea' - further teasing: 'We will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there.'

Has Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed a Buffy reboot?

Sharing a picture of herself as the much-loved titular character, Buffy Summers, Sarah wrote: 'So..... you might have heard some news this week, but I realize you haven’t heard from me.

'Three years ago, I got a call from my dear friend and mentor, Gail Berman. She told me that she wanted me to sit down with Chloé Zhao to hear her take on a potential “Buffy” revival. I was blown away that Chloé even knew who I was, but, as I’ve always done, I told Gail that I just didn’t see a way for the show to exist again. We’d always been aligned on that, but this time I heard something different in her voice. I eventually agreed to go (mainly just to meet Chloé) and our twenty minute coffee quickly turned into a four hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us.

'While I didn’t agree to anything at that meeting, I did shock myself by agreeing to continue the conversation. These conversations did, in fact, continue over the next few years and eventually we added the incredible Nora and Lilla Zuckerman to our little tribe until ultimately, one day, we landed on an idea.

'I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit “Buffy” and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right. This has been a long process, and it’s not over yet. I promise you, we will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there.

'I feel so lucky to be on this journey with these four unbelievably talented women, all of whom love “Buffy” as much as I do. And as much as you do. Thank you to all the fans who never stopped asking for this. This will be for you.' (sic)

With rumours of the sequel series emerging just mere days before Sarah released her statement (on 6th February 2025), fans were understandably ecstatic to see the actress seemingly confirm the news - with one writing: 'My millennial heart needed this. Thank you ❤️', and another adding: 'Omg we are so ready for this! We’ve waited 22 years 🙌 whatever you have to offer, as long as you’re involved. Buffy returns 😭😍'. (sic)

Deadline reported earlier this week (3rd February) that over 20-years since Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended in 2003, after seven wonderful seasons, a revival could heavily be on the cards for the beloved supernatural drama, with Oscar-winning names being pulled in for director and writing duties - as well as very famous returning faces.

Who is working on the reboot series?

Although nothing has been officially confirmed just yet, it has been reported that a pilot episode is 'nearing' order with Hulu, with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to her signature titular role.

Oscar winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, who according to Deadline is a 'self-professed lifelong Buffy fan', is working on the project - seemingly set to direct the new series. Sarah also confirmed that she is working with famed showrunners, television writers and producers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman - with reports adding that a writers room is thought to be starting 'soon'.

The original series’ executive producer Gail Berman is also returning to work on the show.

Are the main cast returning?

Confirming that she is working on the reboot series, it is heavily implied that starring actress Sarah Michelle Gellar will be returning to her titular role of Buffy Summers. It is, however, currently unclear whether other original Buffy cast members will return - including the likes of Alyson Hannigan (who played Willow), David Boreanaz (Angel), James Marsters (Spike) and Nicholas Brendon (Xander).

Despite no word on who else will return, Deadline reports that it is 'considered likely'.

Creator Joss Whedon - who wrote the original series based on his 1992 movie - is said to have no involvement in the reboot. Following misconduct allegations in 2021, including his time working on the original show and its spin-off Angel, it's been reported that he hasn't worked in Hollywood in any official capacity.

Tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg

Tragically, the news was revealed on 26th February that Michelle Trachtenberg, who played the role of Buffy's sister Dawn Summers, had passed away. Michelle was just 39 at the time of her death, with countless tributes being paid to the late actress.

Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a series of images alongside Michelle, from pictures on set to more recent social snaps. In the emotional post, Sarah re-wrote a fan-favourite Buffy quote, which originally saw Buffy comfort her younger sister, Dawn. She wrote: '“Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you” 💔💔💔🗝️'.

Since the sad news broke, it has been reported that Michelle was in fact 'in talks' to appear in the revival series, prior to her shocking death. According to Mail Online, an insider confirmed that talks were already happening surrounding the actress' return to her iconic role.

The publication claim a source revealed she was 'incredibly hopeful about it', with Sarah feeling 'that the reboot would need her as much as it needed Sarah'.

Who is producing the sequel series?

It is thought that Chloé, Nora and Lilla are all set to executively produce - as well as Sarah Michelle Gellar herself, of course. On top of that, the original series’ executive producers Gail Berman (of the Jackal Group) is returning, as confirmed by Sarah.

Previous reports also suggested that Fran Kuzui & Kaz Kuzui (via Suite B) are set to work on the show.

As if that wasn't enough, Dolly Parton is also reportedly set to return to executive produce once again (via Sandollar). According to reports, the show will be produced by 20th Television and Searchlight Television (a Disney sibling), for Hulu.

When will it be released?

Despite Sarah confirming that they are 'on the path' to creating a Buffy reboot, further details on the show are (understandably) rather sparse - meaning a release date isn't in sight at the moment, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled and stakes at the ready.

Where can I watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

You can watch all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Disney+ right now!

You can sign up to Disney+ from £4.99 per month.

Check out all of the TV shows getting a reboot:

Now read:

All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return

18 classic films that made an epic comeback

Want more music news?

Read more of the latest music news here.