A ray of sunshine has pierced the shadows for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fans. The update comes from country music legend and original series producer Dolly Parton. In a recent interview with Business Insider, the “Jolene” singer revealed that whispers of a reboot continue to swirl, offering hope for a potential return to the beloved supernatural world.
“They’re still working on that,” Parton said, a spark of excitement evident in her voice. “They’re thinking about bringing it back and revamping it.” While details remain shrouded in mystery, Parton’s statement is music to the ears of fans yearning for another slaying spree.
Though mum on specifics regarding the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot’s development team, Parton reminisced about her involvement in the original series, humbly acknowledging the collective effort behind its success. “I have to give more people more credit on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ than me,” she emphasized. “A lot of people did so much sweat on that. That little show did great.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, the charismatic slayer herself, confirmed Parton’s involvement in February 2023 on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Despite never meeting the icon in person, Gellar fondly recalled receiving personalized Christmas gifts from Parton during the show’s initial run. “I would think, ‘She doesn’t even know who I am,'” Gellar revealed, only later reassured by Parton’s praise for the show and her performance.
However, Gellar expressed reservations about a full-fledged reboot in January 2023, stating that the original series concluded definitively. “We wrapped that up,” she told SFX Magazine. “I am all for them continuing the story because there’s the story of female empowerment. I love how the show was left: ‘Every girl who has the power can have the power.’ It’s set up perfectly for someone else to have the power. But like I said, the metaphors of Buffy were the horrors of adolescence. I think I look young, but I am not an adolescent.”
Despite Gellar’s reservations, the new Audible series “Slayers: A Buffyverse Story” offered a glimpse into a potential continuation of the Slayer legacy. Released in 2023, the series reunites several original cast members and introduces a new Slayer named Indira, voiced by Laya DeLeon Hayes.
Whether a full-fledged reboot materializes remains uncertain, but Parton’s update sparks the imagination and ignites hope for a return to Sunnydale. After all, as Buffy famously declared, “The sun will rise again.” And judging by Parton’s infectious optimism, its rays might even be tinged with a Dolly-fied pink.
There are a ton of fans of the series out there, with me being one. In fact, I have a cat named after her. So, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fans, keep your stakes sharpened and your eye out for updates. The Slayerverse might just be preparing for a grand encore with a healthy dose of Parton’s signature glitter and grit. While we wait to learn more, you can watch all seven seasons of the original series on Apple TV, Hulu, VUDU, and Disney+. Here’s a look at the series’ original trailer.
