Hulu has canceled its planned reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, according to an announcement made by star Sarah Michelle Gellar. The Disney-owned streaming platform decided not to move forward with the project, which was set to be directed by Chloé Zhao.
Key Takeaways
Hulu has canceled its planned reboot of <b>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</b>, with star Sarah Michelle Gellar announcing the decision. The project faced internal opposition from an executive who reportedly did not appreciate the original series. Fans have organized rallies and expressed disappointment online, hoping for a revival elsewhere.
- Hulu cancels Buffy reboot despite fan anticipation
- Sarah Michelle Gellar reveals internal opposition to the project
- Fans organize rally outside Hulu headquarters in Santa Monica
- One executive reportedly disliked the original series and hindered development
- Fans hope another network may pick up the show
The series would have been a sequel to the original 1997-2003 series, with Gellar reprising her role as Buffy Summers. It was tentatively titled Buffy: New Sunnydale. The cancellation comes after an uphill battle within Hulu, reportedly due to opposition from a Disney executive who was not a fan of the original series.
Gellar shared the news on her Instagram account over the weekend, expressing sadness but gratitude for the opportunity. She thanked Zhao for reminding her of how much she loves the character and the series. In an interview with People, Gellar revealed that there was at least one very vocal detractor within Hulu who was 'proud to constantly remind us that he had never seen the entirety of the series.' This executive's lack of enthusiasm for the original series made developing the reboot particularly challenging.
The cancellation has sparked disappointment among fans, with some organizing a rally outside Hulu’s headquarters in Santa Monica. Los Angeles resident Bren O’Brien displayed several posters urging the streamer to reconsider its decision. Another fan, Erin McClory, joined the rally and expressed hope that the outpouring of support could persuade another network to pick up the show.
Hulu has not yet commented on the cancellation. However, The Huffington Post, citing a source close to the show as reported by Variety, said that Hulu has 'a lot of love' for Buffy and that 'the door is still open' for related projects.
Despite the setback, fans remain hopeful for future Buffy material. Gellar acknowledged the importance of fan support in her interview with People, stating that the show was being developed primarily because of the love and enthusiasm from its dedicated fanbase.
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