Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar details why she is reprising her role more than 20 years since the series' conclusion. Gellar had previously been adamant that she would not return as Buffy with rumors and reports of a reboot being in the works ever since Buffy The Vampire Slayer concluded in 2003. However, in a shocking update, it was recently revealed that Gellar was closing in on a deal for a pilot order on Hulu for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel series with Gellar returning in her iconic role.

In a post on her Instagram, Gellar details the years-long process leading up to the development of a sequel series. Gellar met with producer Gail Berman, to whom Gellar recently presented a Norman Lear award, about returning to her role. Gellar agreed to meet with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao about the revival. She notes that the initial meetings took place three years ago and praises the new creative team behind bringing Buffy back, along with thanking the fans.

Past Buffy the Vampire Slayer alums commented on her post, including Emma Caulfield Ford and Julie Benz. Angel actor David Boreanaz commented "Excited for you and your journey. Enjoy the moments and continue to always give back to the fans. God Speed."

So….. you might have heard some news this week, but I realize you haven’t heard from me.

Three years ago, I got a call from my dear friend and mentor, Gail Berman. She told me that she wanted me to sit down with Chloé Zhao to hear her take on a potential “Buffy” revival. I was blown away that Chloé even knew who I was, but, as I’ve always done, I told Gail that I just didn’t see a way for the show to exist again. We’d always been aligned on that, but this time I heard something different in her voice. I eventually agreed to go (mainly just to meet Chloé) and our twenty minute coffee quickly turned into a four hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us.

While I didn’t agree to anything at that meeting, I did shock myself by agreeing to continue the conversation. These conversations did, in fact, continue over the next few years and eventually we added the incredible Nora and Lilla Zuckerman to our little tribe until ultimately, one day, we landed on an idea.

I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit “Buffy” and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right. This has been a long process, and it’s not over yet. I promise you, we will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there.

I feel so lucky to be on this journey with these four unbelievably talented women, all of whom love “Buffy” as much as I do. And as much as you do. Thank you to all the fans who never stopped asking for this. This will be for you.

What This Means For A Buffy The Vampire Slayer Sequel Series

Gellar Sounds Excited To Return

Gellar has always been positive about her role, the status of Buffy as an iconic character, and her responsibility as a role model. It's understandable why she has not wanted to return up until this point. However, her excitement around the creative team behind the sequel series, including Zhao and writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman should come as a huge relief for viewers of the fantasy series.

Gellar will return as a producer and in a recurring role. The sequel series will focus on a new Slayer with Buffy likely acting as a mentor. There have been no announcements about other returning cast outside of Gellar. As with many legacy sequels, like Star Wars: The Force Awakens or Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the new series will shift its focus to a new lead.

Our Take On Gellar's Return

It's A Perfect Time To Bring Buffy Back

As Gellar notes, there has always been a call for her to return as her most iconic character. As early as Angel season 5, which took place a year following Buffy's conclusion, hopes and rumors of seeing Buffy again permeated the internet. In over 20 years since her last appearance, viewers have been clamoring to see more of this world return to television. If a pilot is ordered and goes to series, a Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel will be a welcome return to an iconic franchise.

Source: Sarah Michelle Gellar/Instagram