Sarah Michelle Gellar Gets Real About the Nerve-Wracking Buffy Sequel
Sarah Michelle Gellar is stepping back into the shadowy world of vampires and demons as she gears up for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, and let’s just say she’s feeling the pressure like Spike in a garlic factory. The actress recently confessed to PEOPLE that while the overwhelming excitement from fans is heartwarming, she can’t shake the nerves about living up to the legacy of the beloved series. “It’s incredibly nerve-wracking,” Gellar shared during her appearance at the 12th Annual Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards. After all, she’s not just resurrecting a franchise; she’s reviving a cultural icon that first graced our screens in 1997 and ran for seven seasons.
In a twist that would make even Joss Whedon raise an eyebrow, the new sequel, described as an “untitled Buffyverse pilot,” will focus on a new Slayer rather than rehashing Buffy’s story. Gellar, who’s pulling double duty as both star and executive producer, confessed that she initially wasn’t interested in reviving the series but couldn’t resist after powerful meetings with director Chloé Zhao (of Nomadland fame) and producer Gail Berman. “We laughed, we cried, but mostly we talked about how much this show means to us,” Gellar recalled, alluding to the emotional journey that brought the new project to life.
Gellar emphasized her commitment to getting things right before moving forward. She reassured the die-hard “Buffy-heads” that this revival would only happen if they can meet those high expectations. “I promise you, we will only make this show if we know we can do it right,” she said, hinting that the project, while still in development, is heading in the right direction.
Importantly, the notorious Joss Whedon, who faced serious allegations of creating a toxic work environment on the original series, is not involved in the revival— a relief for many fans who were disheartened by the negative stories that have surfaced in recent years. With Oscar winners and original creators on board, there’s a lot riding on Gellar and her team to “do it right.” So stay tuned—Buffy may be back, and this time she has some fierce women behind her.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and PEOPLE, Variety, Entertainment Weekly
