Buffy the Vampire Slayer has ingrained itself into pop culture, and the supernatural drama series remains one of the most loved television shows to debut in the 1990s. Created by Joss Whedon, the series remains popular to this day, particularly because of its unique style and inventive storytelling in a genre populated by tropes.
Years after the original show’s conclusion, a reboot series has long been rumored to be in development. Dolly Parton, who was a producer on the series has now provided an exciting update about the reboot’s status. At the same time, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, who rose to fame with the titular role, has shared her feelings about a potential reboot. Here is what Dolly Parton and Sarah Michelle Gellar have said about the future of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Dolly Parton Provides an Update on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot
Buffy the Vampire Slayer debuted in 1997 and ran for seven seasons, ending in 2003. The series became extremely popular, receiving critical acclaim and spawning an expansive media franchise. In 2018, a reboot of the series was reportedly in development with Monica Owusu-Breen serving as showrunner and original creator Joss Whedon acting as an executive producer.
Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui were also expected to return as executive producers from the original series. However, in August 2022, Berman stated that the project was indefinitely put on hold. In a recent interview, Dolly Parton, who was a producer on the original series through Sandollar Television, commented on the project’s future.
Parton spoke with Business Insider and revealed that the reboot was still alive and being actively worked on. She stated:
“They’re still working on that. They’re thinking about bringing it back and revamping it.”
However, Parton did not share any further details regarding the project such as the plot or who would be involved. As a result, it is unclear whether the supposed reboot Parton referred to during the interview is the same iteration Owusu-Breen was working on.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Prefers a Continuation Over a Reboot
Given the cult following of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a reboot or revival of the series seems inevitable in the current climate where more and more classics are making a return. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the titular Slayer for seven seasons, was asked about the possibility of reprising the role in a January 2023 interview.
Speaking with SFX Magazine (via MovieWeb), Gellar stated that she was uninterested in returning to the role but felt the story could continue without her character. She said:
“I am very proud of the show that we created, and (a revival) doesn’t need to be done. We wrapped that up. I am all for them continuing the story because there’s the story of female empowerment. I love the way the show was left: ‘Every girl who has the power can have the power.’ It’s set up perfectly for someone else to have the power.”
Gellar’s statement implies that she is ready to pass on the baton and prefers the story of Buffyverse to continue with a different protagonist. As a result, a hard reboot is not necessary in Gellar’s opinion. Similarly, Monica Owusu-Breen had implied that a new Slayer would be the focus of the reboot series. Hence, if Buffy the Vampire Slayer returns to our screens, it can carry forward the legacy without redoing, copying, or tarnishing what came before.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is streaming on Hulu.
