Hulu is reportedly close to ordering a pilot for a sequel to the cult-favourite "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", Variety has learned from sources.

According to insiders, Sarah Michelle Gellar is in final negotiations to reprise her role as the iconic Slayer. However, rather than leading the series, she is expected to have a recurring role, as the new instalment will introduce a different Slayer.

While details remain under wraps, the untitled project marks a major revival of the beloved franchise, promising a fresh perspective while maintaining connections to its original legacy.

Nora and Lila Zuckerman are set to serve as writers, showrunners, and executive producers for the project. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao will direct and executive produce under her Book of Shadows production banner.

Sarah Michelle Gellar is also on board as an executive producer, alongside Gail Berman. Fran and Kaz Kuzui will oversee production through Suite B, while Dolly Parton joins as an executive producer via Sandollar. 

The series will be a collaboration between 20th Television and Searchlight Television. Notably, Berman, the Kuzuis, and Parton all served as executive producers on the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer series.

Notably absent from the creative team is Joss Whedon, the original creator and showrunner of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", who led the series through its seven-season run.

Whedon faced multiple allegations in 2021 regarding a toxic work environment on both "Buffy" and its spinoff, "Angel", with nearly a dozen individuals linked to the shows speaking out. Among them, actress Charisma Carpenter openly criticised Whedon's behaviour, with co-stars Amber Benson and Michelle Trachtenberg supporting her claims.

In a 2022 response, Whedon acknowledged being "not mannerly" in his interactions with Carpenter but dismissed many of the accusations, stating, "Most of my experiences with Charisma were delightful and charming."

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" originally debuted as a feature film in 1992, with Kristy Swanson portraying the titular character. Written by Joss Whedon and directed by Fran Kuzui, the film introduced audiences to the concept that would later evolve into a cult-favourite television series.

Five years later, in 1997, the story was reimagined for television, with Sarah Michelle Gellar taking on the role of Buffy Summers. The series premiered on The WB, where it ran for five seasons before moving to UPN for its final two. The ensemble cast featured Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, and James Marsters, among others.

Following the success of "Buffy", David Boreanaz led the spinoff series "Angel", which aired on The WB for five seasons.

Sarah Michelle Gellar currently appears in "Dexter: Original Sin", the prequel series streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime. While best known for her role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", her television career includes notable projects such as "Wolf Pack" on Paramount+, CBS' "The Crazy Ones" opposite Robin Williams, and The CW's "Ringer". On the big screen, Gellar has starred in films like "Cruel Intentions", "I Know What You Did Last Summer", the live-action "Scooby-Doo" films, and the horror hit "The Grudge".

Meanwhile, Nora and Lila Zuckerman served as showrunners for the first season of Peacock's critically acclaimed series "Poker Face", starring Natasha Lyonne. Their writing and producing credits span across major TV projects, including "Prodigal Son" and "Fringe" for Fox, "Agents of S H I E L D" for ABC, "Suits" for USA Network, and "Haven" for Syfy. Variety previously reported that they are also attached to Amazon's upcoming series adaptation of "The Spy Coast".

Chloé Zhao earned four Academy Award nominations for her 2020 film "Nomadland", starring Frances McDormand, in the categories of Best Director, Best Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture. She took home the Oscar for Best Director, while "Nomadland" secured the Best Picture win. Zhao has also garnered acclaim for her previous films, "The Rider" and "Songs My Brother Taught Me", both of which she wrote and directed. Additionally, she co-wrote and directed Marvel's "Eternals".

Sarah Michelle Gellar is represented by CAA, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn Levine Barnes. Nora and Lila Zuckerman are represented by UTA and Lichter Grossman, while Zhao is repped by CAA, Ilene Feldman Management, and Lichter Grossman. Gail Berman is represented by Ziffren Brittenham.

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If the sequel series moves forward, it would mark another high-profile revival for Hulu. Recently, the platform ordered a pilot for a "Prison Break" reboot. Hulu also continues to expand its slate of revived content, currently airing new episodes of the animated comedy "Futurama", with a new instalment of "King of the Hill" also in development.