Buffy the Vampire Slayer Revival Pilot Wraps Filming After 25 Years

The long-awaited Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival is taking shape with director Chloé Zhao confirming that the pilot has wrapped filming. The new series is set 25 years after the original show, as she revealed in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. Zhao stated, "The fandom is so special to me, and I’m excited about how that’s going to go into the world." If the series premieres on Hulu in 2026 as expected, it will mark 23 years since the original show ended in 2003, perfectly aligning with the revival’s contemporary setting.

This time jump also sets the stage for the return of Sarah Michelle Gellar, who will reprise her role as Buffy Summers. While the plot is still under wraps, the series will introduce a new slayer named Nova, portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong (Skeleton Crew). The ensemble cast includes Faly Rakotohavana as geeky Hugo, Ava Jean as well-meaning Larkin, Sarah Bock as devout Gracie, Daniel Di Tomasso as Nova’s single father Abe, and Jack Cutmore-Scott as teacher Mr. Burke.

Chase Sui Wonders (I Know What You Did Last Summer) joins as Shirley, a character “believed to be a vampire.” This hints at a Slayer-vampire dynamic reminiscent of Buffy and Spike, blurring the lines between enemy and ally.

The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which debuted in 1997, ran for seven seasons, showcasing Buffy Summers balancing teenage life with her duties as a slayer. Alongside friends Xander and Willow, and under the guidance of Rupert Giles, she tackled the forces of darkness in Sunnydale. The revival's new cast appears to draw parallels with the original crew.

Although the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival lacks an official release date, with the pilot filmed, it's only a matter of time before fans return to the Hellmouth.

Source: GeekTyrant