Chloé Zhao, the acclaimed Eternals director, plays a central role in shaping Hulu’s anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, bringing her personal connection to the series and vision to the forefront. The Chloé Zhao Buffy revival has garnered attention as Zhao’s devotion to the cult show and direct involvement persuaded Sarah Michelle Gellar to reprise her iconic role after many years of declining similar proposals.
Chloé Zhao’s Creative Leadership and Fandom
Zhao, while promoting her recent drama Hamnet, shared insights on her affinity for the original Buffy series, detailing her influences and memorable moments from the revival’s set. Her wholehearted fandom and thoughtful approach were significant in bringing Gellar, a key executive producer and the face of the titular Slayer, back for the continuation of the story. Zhao’s unique perspective stands out in an industry often driven by nostalgia reboots, as she connects deeply with the show’s earlier seasons and characters.
A Personal Touch on Set
During the final day of filming, Zhao recounted a tribute to a renowned moment from the original series. In her words,
“I would say the prom episode is one of my favorites. Actually, Sarah told me she didn’t keep the umbrella.”
—Chloé Zhao, Director
Zhao described how she brought back this memory for Gellar:
“So on the last day of the wrap, we made a replica of that and then I memorized the speech. So I went up there… and we presented her with the class protector. It was amazing. Some of the crew members, they were like, What’s happening?’ But the ones that know…yeah, I had such a good time doing that.”
—Chloé Zhao, Director
This thoughtful gesture resonated with longtime fans of the series and underlined how Zhao’s personal ties to the show influence her creative process. Crew members and cast alike witnessed the fan tribute, which highlighted the collective spirit on set.
A Shifting Perspective On Buffy’s Relationships
Zhao has long been candid about her thoughts regarding the show’s famous romantic entanglements. Having been a keen viewer herself since her younger years, Zhao has seen her preferences evolve with age.
“I was a massive Buffy and Spike person, in my younger years. When I was a teenager to early-20s. Now that I’m in my 40s, when I rewatched it, I understood why Buffy and Angel was…I wouldn’t say healthier, as he’s got his own problems. But the thing with Angel, he’s a runner. He just runs. Which is very frustrating…But in my 40s, I actually appreciate Riley more. When I was younger, I thought he was kind of boring, I prefer Spike but now I’m a little older, perhaps a little less Spike and a little more Riley.”
—Chloé Zhao, Director
Her commentary reveals the nuanced dynamics she brings to the new revival, appreciating mainstays like Angel and even the often-overlooked Riley, reflecting a more mature and complex interpretation of classic characters and relationships.
The Revival’s Direction and Cast
The upcoming Hulu series, diverging from the Dark Horse comic continuation, reunites several original talents and introduces new faces. The show is steered by sisters Nora and Lila Zuckerman, known for their work on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and Poker Face, as co-showrunners, while Zhao not only directs the pilot but also acts as executive producer. Alongside Gellar, original executive producer Gail Berman is part of the leadership team.
The cast features returning and new characters. Ryan Kiera Armstrong, recognized from Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, plays Nova, representing the new generation of Slayers. The core ensemble includes Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Sarah Bock from Severance, Daniel Di Tomasso with credits in Dynasty and The Republic of Sarah, and Jack Cutmore-Scott known for Tenet and Oppenheimer. Additional members, such as Chase Sui Wonders, Merrin Dungey, Audrey Hsieh, and Audrey Grace Marshall, are also set to appear, ensuring the revival’s ensemble is diverse and familiar.
Looking Ahead: The Revival’s Impact
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, airing from 1997 to 2002, left an enduring legacy with its mix of supernatural drama and character complexity. The new Hulu revival, under Zhao’s guidance and with input from experienced showrunners and cast, presents a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. The Chloé Zhao Buffy revival aims to reach both loyal fans and new viewers, potentially redefining the series’ impact for a modern audience by balancing fan appreciation and contemporary themes. With significant names such as Sarah Michelle Gellar and creative professionals like the Zuckerman sisters and Zhao herself, the project stands poised to capture the imagination of today’s TV landscape.
