Dolly Parton recently shared an update on the long-anticipated reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, revealing that despite some setbacks, work on revamping the series is still ongoing. The reboot was first announced in 2018, but after some challenges, it was put on “pause” in 2022. However, Parton, who was an uncredited producer on the original series through her Sandollar Entertainment company, assures fans that hope is not lost.
In an interview with Business Insider, Parton said, “They’re still working on that. They’re thinking about bringing it back and revamping it.” The country music icon, known for her behind-the-scenes contributions to the show, emphasized her involvement despite being based in Nashville while the show was filmed in Los Angeles.
She noted that much of her work was done through discussions with the business team. Parton acknowledged the efforts of many others who contributed significantly to the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, saying, “That little show did great.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred as Buffy Summers in the original series, also confirmed Parton’s role as a producer during a February 2023 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Gellar reflected on how the cast would receive Christmas gifts with their names on them, wondering how Dolly knew who they were. “One day, someone asked her about it, and she complimented the show and my performance. I was like, ‘Oh, I can die now. Dolly Parton knows who I am and thinks I’m good,’” Gellar said.
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot was first announced with Joss Whedon as an executive producer, although no network was attached at the time. The reboot was also set to feature a Black actress as the new Buffy. Monica Owusu-Breen, known for her work on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., was set to serve as showrunner and head writer. Owusu-Breen clarified that the original show couldn’t be replicated, emphasizing that Buffy could never truly be replaced but that it was time to meet a new slayer in a world that feels “a lot scarier.”
Despite some excitement, the reboot was put on hold in 2022, with executive producer Gail Berman explaining that the project was “on pause” for the time being. While Gellar has made it clear she’s not interested in reprising the role of Buffy, she expressed her support for a continuation of the story, focusing on the empowerment themes that the show championed. “I love the way the show was left: ‘Every girl who has the power can have the power,’” she said.
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While it’s still unclear when the reboot might finally be released, fans can rest assured that Parton is still involved and that the revamp of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is very much on the horizon.