'Buffy' Reboot Still Alive After Hulu Passes on ‘New Sunnydale’

Just like vampires, the Buffy franchise isn't easily killed.

Despite the announcement from lead actressSarah Michelle Gellar that the revival series Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, plans for a follow-up to the cult original, which ran from 1997 to 2003, are still in the works, according to a new report.

The planned reboot was meant to be directed by Chloé Zhao, a two-time Oscar winner whose projects include Best Picture winner Nomadland and Marvel's Eternals, who also happens to be a Buffy super-fan. Her latest film, Hamnet, is among this year's most-nominated films at the 98th Academy Awards. Nora and Lilla Zuckerman known for the Peacock mystery series Poker Face, penned the script for the pilot.

Following the official announcement that Hulu declined to pick up New Sunnydale, Deadline reported that the fate of Zhao's pilot had been in limbo for several weeks at the network, before ultimately being rejected.

However, Gellar ended her announcement about the spurned pilot on a positive note, referencing her character, Buffy Summers. "If the apocalypse comes… you can still beep me," she said in her Instagram post. She seems to have reason to feel that way, too, as Deadline also stated the project hasn't been entirely thrown out.

The outlet reported that there "had been talk about reworking the pilot as recently as earlier this week." In the end, Hulu opted not to proceed with the pre-existing material from Zhao, adding that the Hamnet filmmaker's "sensibility may not have been the perfect match for the reboot." However, Hulu apparently "remains high on the Buffy IP and plans to regroup and mull a possible new incarnation of the beloved franchise."

As for Zhao's future with the franchise, that seems far less optimistic. In her statement regarding the cancellation of New Sunnydale, Gellar thanked the acclaimed director, and said she "never thought I would find myself back in Buffy’s stylish yet affordable boots."

"Thanks to Chloé, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means, not only to me, but to all of you."