Sarah Michelle Gellar Confirms Buffy: New Sunnydale Title

Sarah Michelle Gellar has officially confirmed the title of the upcoming Hulu series as Buffy: New Sunnydale. Speaking on the ShutUpEvan podcast, Gellar described the new project as a 'continuation' rather than a reboot or sequel to the original series that aired from 1997 to 2003.

She emphasized that the show will explore the world of Sunnydale with a fresh cast of characters, led by young actress Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Gellar, who serves as an executive producer, revealed that Marvel director Chloé Zhao convinced her to return to the role after initially being hesitant.

Filming for the pilot took place in August, though the production timeline for additional episodes remains unclear. Gellar stated that the team is taking their time to ensure the series honors the legacy of the original show and will not release it until they are certain it meets their standards.

During a recent appearance on the ShutUpEvan podcast, Sarah Michelle Gellar put an end to speculation regarding the nature of the new series. She explicitly stated that the project is not a reboot or a full sequel, but rather a 'continuation' of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer legacy.

Gellar explained the distinction regarding the show's direction: "It's not a sequel, it's not a reboot. It's a continuation. I think so, because where she is now in this world and what this world is that Buffy lives in — with her, without her — [that] kind of exploration... It's not a reboot, it's not picking up with all the same characters right away."

She also confirmed the official name of the series, which had previously been rumored: Buffy: New Sunnydale. Gellar noted that the title was personally important to her to reflect the show's new identity. She stated, "That's why the name was even important to me, y'know, in Buffy: New Sunnydale. It's Buffy, but it's also something else."

The upcoming series features a mix of returning legacy talent and new faces. Sarah Michelle Gellar is reprising her iconic role as Buffy Summers, while Ryan Kiera Armstrong has been cast as the series' lead, reportedly playing a character named Nova.

The ensemble cast includes actors playing Nova's classmates and teachers at a rebuilt Sunnydale High School. The production is being led by Chloé Zhao, the director known for her work on Marvel's Eternals.

According to Gellar, Zhao was instrumental in getting the project off the ground. The director managed to convince Gellar to return to the franchise despite her long-standing reservations about revisiting the character. Filming for the pilot episode was completed in August, marking a significant step forward in the production process.

For years, Sarah Michelle Gellar maintained that she would never return to the role of Buffy Summers. However, the vision presented by Chloé Zhao and the potential of the 'continuation' concept changed her perspective. Gellar admitted that she has had to eat her words regarding her previous stance.

"I always said I would never do it, and I have learned a very hard lesson in life there's a reason why that saying is 'never say never'," Gellar said. "So I will eat my words and I'm okay with that. I've learned my lesson, that's totally fair. I never saw how to do it. I never saw how and why it could be as good and be... I'm not trying to be better, I just want to hold and honor the memory of what we've created."

Gellar expressed immense pride in the original series and the people who worked on it. She acknowledged that fan memories of the show vary but emphasized the dedication of the cast and crew. "I know sometimes that memory is conflicted for people about how they're supposed to feel about it," she added. "But a lot of people put their blood, sweat and tears into making what I think is an incredibly great show and I'm incredibly proud of it."

Regarding the release schedule, Gellar noted that while fans are eager for the show, the team is prioritizing quality over speed. The production is currently taking its time to ensure the narrative makes sense and honors the original work. "We're still working on that why and how," Gellar concluded. "I know we live in a society where we want binging, we want it now. I know this seems like it's taking a long time, and that's because unless we're sure it's exactly what we set out to do and that it makes sense to do it, we don't want to sully the legacy."

She affirmed that the series will only be released when it meets her high standards: "When I know it's perfect, then it will be out there. But I won't do it unless I know it can be that."