Ryan Kiera Armstrong joins Sarah Michelle Gellar in Hulu’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, taking on the iconic role in a new generation.
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot is officially coming to life at Hulu—and it’s found its new chosen one. Ryan Kiera Armstrong, known for Firestarter and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, will star as the lead slayer in the upcoming pilot, starring opposite none other than Sarah Michelle Gellar, who returns as Buffy Summers and serves as executive producer.
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Ryan Kiera Armstrong will portray a new introverted high school student destined to carry the weight of the slayer legacy in what’s being called the next chapter of the Buffyverse. Though the project remains untitled, it’s already generating serious buzz, with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao helming the pilot. The script comes from Poker Face writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, who are also executive producing.
The symbolism behind Ryan Kiera Armstrong’s casting wasn’t lost on anyone—her name shares the same rhythmic cadence as Sarah Michelle Gellar’s—but it was her raw talent that sealed the deal. “From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side,” Gellar said. “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.”
In a heartwarming moment, Sarah Michelle Gellar recorded the exact moment she surprised Armstrong, now 15, with the news she had landed the coveted role. Visibly emotional, Ryan Kiera Armstrong responded through tears, “I’m so honored, thank you for trusting me.” She was joined by her father, Canadian actor-producer Dean Armstrong, to celebrate the moment.
The Zuckermans echoed Sarah Michelle Gellar’s praise, calling Ryan Kiera Armstrong “the chosen one,” and adding, “She absolutely blew us away.”
The pilot is being developed by 20th Television and Searchlight TV, with Zhao producing through her Book of Shadows banner. Sarah Michelle Gellar is joined on the executive producing team by original Buffy collaborators Gail Berman, Fran Kuzui, and Kaz Kuzui, along with music legend Dolly Parton, whose company Sandollar produced the original series.
Ryan Kiera Armstrong’s casting marks another major career milestone for the rising Canadian star. Since her breakout performance at age 8 in The Art of Racing in the Rain, she’s stacked up credits in It: Part Two, The Tomorrow War, The Glorias, Black Widow, and starred in Firestarter and The Old Way opposite Nicolas Cage. On TV, she’s appeared in Anne with an E, American Horror Story: Red Tide, and most recently in Disney+’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew alongside Jude Law, as well as the upcoming FX series The Lowdown with Ethan Hawke.
With powerhouse names behind the scenes and an electrifying new lead, Hulu’s Buffy reboot is shaping up to be a supernatural revival fans won’t want to miss.
