Chloe Zhao says the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot cast and crew are keeping “our hearts open” in the hope that the episodes will see the light of day after it was cancelled.
Chloe Zhao has broken her silence on the Buffy reboot being shelved
Streamer Hulu decided to pull the plug on Buffy: New Sunnydale, but the director is holding onto hope that the supernatural show will eventually reach viewers.
Chloe told Variety at Sunday night’s Oscars (15.03.26): “I had an incredible, incredible time with Sarah [Michelle Gellar], with all the cast and crew doing this. And we, first and foremost, see ourselves as the guardians of the original show.
“Our priority for Sarah and for us has always been to be truthful to the show, to be truthful to our fans. So, things happen for a reason, and we keep our hearts open and we welcome the mystery, and what this might lead us to.”
When asked if they would try to get another distributor on board, she repeated: “Welcome the mystery.”
The cancellation has prompted emotional responses from the cast, including 16-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who was set to lead the series as new Slayer Nova.
She shared her reaction on Instagram Stories after Sarah confirmed Hulu had decided not to move forward with Buffy: New Sunnydale.
Ryan said: “I’m sure many of you have already heard the news by now. 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.”
She became visibly emotional as she admitted she was “really proud” of the project and disappointed fans would not get to see it.
She continued: “It doesn’t take away from the amazing experience that I had.
“I also want to say thank you to all the fans who believed in this new chapter, and who believed in me, so thank you guys. Thank you to the cast I worked with. You guys are awesome.
“I guess all I want to say is we brought this back for you guys and Buffy is such a big part of all of our lives. It’s not going anywhere! Who knows what the future will hold?”
Hulu had announced the follow-up series last year, with Chloe directing and Sarah returning in a recurring role.
The 48-year-old actress said her disappointing update on the show: “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.
“I want to thank Chloe Zhao, because I never thought I would find myself back in Buffy’s stylish yet affordable boots. And thanks to Chloe, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means not only to me but all of you. And this doesn’t change any of that, and I promise if the apocalypse actually comes, you can still beep me.”
The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer ran for seven seasons between 1997 and 2003.
