Buffy revival star reveals first look at the show we'll never get to see as Chloe Zhao reveals she is "not surprised" by its cancelation

The Buffy revival is no more. And as if to drive the stake a little deeper into our hearts, the show's new star, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, has revealed the first look at a show we'll never get to see.

Taking to Instagram after OG Buffy actor Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed the news on social media, Armstrong posted a picture of her in costume for the Buffy pilot, complete with the caption "your slayer."

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, originally envisioned to land on Hulu with a new cast and a returning Gellar, had filmed a pilot but was suddenly canceled this weekend.

Chloé Zhao, involved in the Buffy revival as both director and executive producer, told Variety on the Oscars red carpet that she was "not surprised" by the news.

"Things happen for a reason, and we keep our hearts open, and we welcome the mystery. And what this might lead us to," Zhao cryptically added.

In a tearful video (H/T Variety), Armstrong also reacted to the news, saying she was "really proud" of what the team accomplished. Like Zhao, she left things open-ended.

Armstrong said, "Buffy is such a big part of all of our lives, and it’s not going anywhere, so who knows what the future will hold.”

In her initial cancelation announcement, Gellar thanked Zhao, "because I never thought I would find myself back in Buffy’s stylish yet affordable boots… I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means, not only to me, but to all of you."

For more, check out the new TV shows coming your way. Then, for all of last night's winners and losers, dive into the Oscars 2026 coverage – as it happened.