Hulu’s upcoming revival of the classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer has taken a major step towards becoming a reality. Ahead of a rumoured pilot production this summer, the series has cast Star Wars: Skeleton Crew star Ryan Kiera Armstrong as its brand new Chosen One.
The news was broken simultaneously last night via Deadline and an emotional video posted to social media. Armstrong will play the new slayer in the untitled Buffyverse project, with details of the character being kept a closely guarded secret.
Watch the moment that original series star Sarah Michelle Gellar breaks the news to Armstrong in the player below:
Gellar executive produces the new series in addition to reprising her role as Buffy Summers. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao is directing the pilot, written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. No additional casting or series information has been released as the team works tirelessly behind the scenes to make the project a reality.
“From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side,” Gellar says. “To have that kind of emotional intelligence, and talent, at such a young age is truly a gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room”
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman executive produce the pilot alongside Gellar, Zhao via her Book of Shadows banner as well as the original series’ executive producers Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui & Kaz Kuzui via Suite B. Also executive producing the pilot is Dolly Parton whose company Sandollar was producer on the original. Buffy the Vampire Slayer studio 20th Television produces with Disney sibling Searchlight TV, where Zhao is under a first-look deal.
