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‘Buffy: New Sunnydale’ scrapped by Hulu; young star shares heartbreak
The 'Firestarter ' star calls the cancelled series an amazing experience despite disappointment
Ryan Kiera Armstrong, the 16-year-old lead of the now-shelved Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, opened up about her heartbreak after Hulu announced it would not be moving forward with the series.
Armstrong, who was set to star as the new slayer Nova, shared her feelings on Instagram Stories, fighting back tears as she thanked fans for their support.
“I’m sure many of you have already heard the news by now. I wanted to come on here and say thank you for all of the support that you guys have given me and this show throughout the last couple months. It’s been really special,” she said.
Armstrong continued, “I’m really proud of the project and disappointed that fans will not get to see it. It doesn’t take away from the amazing experience that I had. Thank you to the cast I worked with you guys are awesome. Buffy is such a big part of all of our lives. It’s not going anywhere! Who knows what the future will hold?”
Hulu had announced plans for Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale last year, with Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao attached to helm the project.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy in the original series, was set to return in a recurring role. Over the weekend, Gellar shared the cancellation news on Instagram.
“I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me,” Gellar wrote. “Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with Buffy: New Sunnydale. I want to thank Chloe Zhao because she reminded me how much I love this character and how much she means to all of you.”
Gellar also revealed how Zhao’s vision persuaded her to join the project, despite initial hesitation.
“Chloe came to me with a take on the world, a perspective I hadn’t considered before, and for the first time, I thought, ‘Maybe, could I possibly do this?’”
The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003 and remains a cultural touchstone, with fans mourning the reboot’s cancellation alongside Armstrong and Gellar.