AceShowbiz - Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot creator Chloé Zhao addressed the recent cancellation of the Hulu revival during a red carpet interview at the 2026 Oscars on March 15. After working on the pilot and preparing to direct and executive produce the new series, Zhao shared her reflections on Hulu's decision to halt the project, titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale.

Speaking with Variety, Zhao, 43, expressed gratitude for the experience working with original star Sarah Michelle Gellar and the entire cast and crew. She emphasized their dedication to honoring the original show’s legacy and fans. "We see ourselves as the guardians of the original show," Zhao said. "Our priority for Sarah and for us has always been to be truthful to the show, to be truthful to our fans." She added that sometimes such setbacks occur for reasons yet to be revealed, and she remains open to what the future holds.

When asked if she planned to seek another distributor for the reboot, Zhao gave a cryptic reply, "Welcome the mystery." This came shortly after Gellar confirmed the cancellation herself.

On March 14, Sarah Michelle Gellar, 48, posted an emotional video on Instagram announcing Hulu’s decision not to move forward with Buffy: New Sunnydale. The original series, which aired from 1997 to 2003 on the WB network, was set to see Gellar reprise her role as Buffy Summers.

"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 said. She also expressed her thanks to Zhao for rekindling her love for the character and reminding her how much Buffy means to fans worldwide.

In response to Gellar’s announcement, Zhao commented on the post, writing, "Grateful for you, always" accompanied by a tearful smiley emoji. This exchange was met with enthusiasm from fans who urged Zhao to pursue the project with other platforms.

One fan wrote, "@chloezhao We believe in you! Please keep shopping it around! Buffy fans will support you to the ends of the earth!" demonstrating the strong fanbase eager to see the reboot come to life.

Earlier reports from February 2025 confirmed that Gellar would return as Buffy, joined by a new vampire slayer played by 16-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Armstrong also shared her thoughts on the cancellation shortly after Gellar’s update, thanking fans and the cast on her Instagram.

"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," Armstrong said in her video. "Thank you to all the fans who believed in this new chapter and who believed in me." She also praised her fellow cast members, calling them "awesome."

The revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a cultural touchstone for many, had generated significant excitement, especially with the original star returning and a promising new lead joining the cast. Zhao’s involvement as director and executive producer had added prestige and anticipation to the project.

Despite the setback, Zhao remains optimistic about what lies ahead. While Hulu has stepped back, the creative team’s commitment to the show and its fans continues to inspire hope that the reboot might find a new home in the future.