In 2003, Buffy Summers stood against the forces of evil for the last time. Now, 22 years after the final battle for Sunnydale town, the Slayer will return in a reboot of the cult classic series.
Since Buffy’s heyday, a whole era has passed. There was a boom in vampiric tales in the 2010s, which was quickly followed by a period of fatigue with these types of stories – except for some arthouse movies. However, bloodsucker stories are becoming popular again.
The Interview with the Vampire series is in full swing, while Twilight will make a surprising comeback as a Netflix animated series. Moreover, Nosferatu by Robert Eggers and Sinners by Ryan Coogler became box office hits.
How will a Buffy sequel fit into modern pop culture? To succeed, the series will have to win old fans’ hearts and seduce the younger generation of viewers. If you’re curious about what to expect from the new Buffyverse series, we’ve gathered the most essential information on the subject.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel title
For now, the series remained untitled. It’s intended to be a sequel with Buffy Summers returning in a recurring role, so we expect the title of the old show to be modified.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot potential release date
The project is at an early stage of development. Therefore, the premiere date is unknown. However, according to Variety, the script for the pilot is nearly finished. If the first episode is created this year, the first season will likely premiere at the end of 2026 or in 2027, given the time needed for casting, production, post-production, and marketing.
The show was ordered by Hulu, so it will premiere on that streaming service in the US. In the UK, we expect the Buffy reboot to be released on Disney+.
Currently, you can stream all episodes of the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer series on Hulu/Disney,+ depending on where you’re based.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot plot
The plot details are kept under wraps. As Variety reports, the show will focus on the new Slayer, with Buffy as a side character. Like the original series, the reboot will presumably target a young audience. As such, the plot will likely focus on teenagers or young adults who struggle with adolescence in addition to fighting the forces of darkness.
As fans may remember, the original Buffy series introduced the Potential Slayers, namely, girls born with the potential to become vampire fighters. They may or may not be chosen by a mystical power to become a proper Slayer, but they appear stronger and faster than regular girls. Therefore, they may become an essential part of the new show.
Besides introducing a strong female character, Buffy the Vampire Slayer became iconic due to paving the way for LGBTQ+ stories. It may seem now that the creators didn’t handle every story as well as one could wish, but the series undoubtedly was a big step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in pop culture. The reboot will have a chance to develop that legacy by introducing new queer characters.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot cast
According to Variety, Hulu is currently working on the reboot pilot. The leading role in the episode will be played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who recently starred as Fern in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. The young actress also appeared in Anne with an E, It Chapter 2, American Horror Story: Red Tide, Black Widow and Firestarter.
The reboot will also feature Sarah Michelle Gellar, who will reprise her role as Buffy Summers. The actress posted a video on Instagram introducing Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the new Slayer.
It’s unknown who else from the old gang may return, or what new characters will appear in the series.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot crew
Although some fans may feel disappointed, Joss Whedon, the creator of the original series, won’t be working on the reboot. In 2021, the showrunner of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel was accused of creating a toxic work environment on set. Reports from nearly twelve crew members were backed up by statements from Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay) and Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers).
Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman, who previously worked as writers for Fringe, Suits, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Poker Face, are showrunners and executive producers for the series.
Chloé Zhao, Oscar-awarded for directing Nomadland, is attached to the series as director and executive producer.
Other executive producers of the Buffy reboot are Sarah Michelle Gellar, Gail Berman, Dolly Parton, Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui.
