Ryan Kiera Armstrong Leads Hulu’s Buffy Reboot as Sarah Michelle Gellar Joins in Key Role

The highly anticipated reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer at Hulu has cast Ryan Kiera Armstrong in the lead role. Armstrong will portray a new slayer in the series, joining original star Sarah Michelle Gellar, who returns in a recurring role as Buffy. The reboot was first announced in February, and while plot details remain tightly guarded, it is confirmed that the story will center on Armstrong’s character as the next chosen one. Gellar’s involvement has generated considerable buzz, especially with her public support of Armstrong.

Gellar Backs New Slayer as Creative Team Assembles for Ambitious Buffy Reboot

Gellar expressed strong enthusiasm for Armstrong’s casting, praising her audition and performance skills. “To have that kind of emotional intelligence and talent at such a young age is truly a gift,” Gellar said, adding that Armstrong’s presence lights up a room. She shared a touching video on Instagram revealing the moment Armstrong was told she landed the role, further cementing her endorsement of the young actress as a worthy successor.

The reboot boasts a powerhouse creative team. Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman will write, showrun, and executive produce the pilot. Acclaimed director Chloé Zhao is attached to direct and will also executive produce through her Book of Shadows banner. Sarah Michelle Gellar is also among the executive producers, along with original series producers Gail Berman, Fran and Kaz Kuzui, and Dolly Parton through her Sandollar production company. The project will be co-produced by 20th Television and Searchlight Television.

A Rising Star and a Legacy Reborn as Buffy Returns with New Talent

Ryan Kiera Armstrong has already built an impressive résumé for her age. She appeared in Disney+’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Netflix’s Anne with an E, as well as American Horror Story and the upcoming The Lowdown on FX. Her film credits include starring roles in the Firestarter reboot with Zac Efron, The Tomorrow War, and Black Widow. She gained early recognition in The Art of Racing in the Rain, marking her as a fast-rising talent in both TV and film.

The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer began as a 1992 film written by Joss Whedon and directed by Fran Kuzui, with Kristy Swanson playing Buffy. In 1997, the beloved series debuted on The WB with Sarah Michelle Gellar in the title role. It ran for seven seasons, transitioning to UPN for its final two years, and launched the popular spinoff Angel starring David Boreanaz. The reboot aims to honor the legacy of the original while ushering in a new era for the franchise with fresh faces and creative vision.