Ryan Kiera Armstrong will play a new Slayer in this untitled Buffyverse project, with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning as an executive producer and reprising her iconic role as Buffy Summers. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao is helming the pilot, written by Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. The show is described as the next chapter in the Buffyverse, produced by 20th Television and Searchlight TV.
Armstrong’s character is an introverted high school student, symbolically positioned as Gellar’s spiritual successor — though Gellar emphasized that Armstrong’s acting talent was the deciding factor. Gellar shared her excitement about working with Armstrong, praising her emotional intelligence and talent at such a young age. The actress was visibly emotional when Gellar broke the news to her, expressing gratitude and joy.
The Zuckermans called Armstrong “the chosen one,” highlighting her impressive audition. The project also involves executive producers Gail Berman, Fran and Kaz Kuzui, Dolly Parton’s Sandollar company, and Zhao’s Book of Shadows banner.
Armstrong has been active since her childhood breakout in The Art of Racing in the Rain, with roles in Black Widow. She starred in Firestarter (2022) and appeared on TV in FX’s American Horror Story, and Disney+’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
