Chloé Zhao, serving as director and executive producer for the highly anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, presented Sarah Michelle Gellar with a replica of the Class Protector award from Season 3. The gesture took place on the final day of filming after Zhao learned Gellar did not have the original award, making this moment significant not just for the production, but for longtime fans of the series as well. The focus keyword, Chloé Zhao Buffy Class Protector, highlights this meaningful exchange at the heart of the event.
Recreating Buffy’s Iconic Prom Scene
Zhao, known for her emotional engagement with storytelling, revealed she gave Gellar the replica umbrella award, reliving a scene beloved by Buffy fans worldwide. Zhao stated to journalist Lauren Veneziani,
“I will say the prom episode is one of my favorites,”
expressing how much the original moment meant to her. She explained that after learning Gellar no longer had the umbrella, she took it upon herself to create a replica and reenact the celebrated speech.
“Actually, Sarah told me she didn’t keep the umbrella. So, on the day of the wrap, we made a replica of that and then I memorized the speech. So, I went up there to say, ‘Some of us didn’t know you,’ you know there’s that speech. Jonathan gave the speech. And as soon as I started saying those lines [producer] Gail Berman’s son started crying in the audience.”
– Chloé Zhao, Director & Executive Producer
This emotional gesture left a strong impact on those in attendance. Zhao recounted,
“And then we presented her with the [Class Protector award]. It was amazing. Some of the crew members were like, ‘What’s happening?’ But the ones that know the speech … I had such a good time doing that.”
– Chloé Zhao, Director & Executive Producer
Buffy’s Legacy and Future Prospects
The upcoming revival series, officially titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, is slated to debut on Hulu in 2026. The pilot wrapped production in August, with Sarah Michelle Gellar reprising her iconic role and Ryan Kiera Armstrong joining the main cast. As the project moves into its next phase, interest is also growing around whether any original cast members like Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, James Marsters, Emma Caulfield, or others will make guest appearances.
The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer ran for seven seasons between 1997 and 2003. It initially aired on The WB before switching to UPN for its final two seasons, with the core cast continuing to shape the series’ cultural impact. Alongside Gellar, notable cast members included Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, James Marsters, Emma Caulfield, and Michelle Trachtenberg.
The Emotional Resonance for Cast and Crew
Zhao’s tribute underscores the deep connections felt by both the creators and audience of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Scenes like the Class Protector award have become iconic, resonating not only with fans but with those involved in the series’ legacy. With the revival on the horizon, Zhao’s thoughtful gift symbolizes a bridge between past and present, ensuring the spirit of Sunnydale lives on through new and returning faces alike.
