Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Journey Back to Sunnydale
Sarah Michelle Gellar wasn’t immediately eager to revisit her iconic role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer after the original series concluded in 2003. However, with her commitment to return to the Buffy-verse in Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, Gellar has been reflecting on her initial stance and the evolution of her perspective.
“I actually like when people bring up that I said ‘never,’ because I really felt that way,” Gellar shared with ComicBook. “So, lesson learned, first of all, young children… Never say never. Say, ‘I don’t see it happening,’ but don’t say ‘never,’ because then you have egg on your face.”
She continued, “But I truly thought that’s where I was at. I never heard a take or a reason to do it. Then Chloé Zhao came to me, and she had the reasons, and she had the take. Also, I was in a different place. The world was in a different place. With that being said, it’s still taken us four years to get to this place because I would say, ‘Yes,’ and then I would call a month later and say, ‘No. No, no, no. I can’t.’ I’m Cameron Frye from Ferris Bueller. ‘Again, again, again…’”
The involvement of Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao as the pilot director undoubtedly played a significant role. While many would jump at the chance to collaborate with Zhao, Gellar revealed she initially hesitated. “I just asked people to give me the time and understand that it took us six years to get a sequel to Ready or Not. When you want to do things right, it takes time,” she explained. “Mind you, I also said no to Chloe many times in the beginning, as well. Her passion, and her reasoning for wanting to do it, and why now, and why it is necessary.”
During an appearance on the Shut Up, Evan podcast, Gellar elaborated on what ultimately convinced her to return as Buffy and work with Zhao.
“Chloé Zhao came to me and not just her passion, because I’ve seen people with passion before, but she knew how to go into the world. She knew what the world was, and she knew the way,” Gellar said. “And that was the first time I said, ‘Maybe, could I possibly do this?’ And this went on for three years now … me and Chloé going back and forth, saying I could do it, saying I can’t, and really spending the time to develop what it is and why it is.”
The reboot promises a fresh take on the beloved series, and Gellar’s eventual commitment signals a dedication to honoring the original while exploring new territory. Fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for Buffy and the new generation of vampire slayers.
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