Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao not only directed the pilot for the new Hulu revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but she’s also a massive fan of the original series. Lauren Veneziani interviewed Zhao recently and asked her what her favorite classic Buffy episode was. Zhao mentioned season three’s “The Prom.” The director followed up by saying that during the new pilot’s wrap party, she gifted Gellar with a replica of the special award she received as her character in that same episode. You can hear Zhao recount the story, via podcast Slayerfest 98‘s Instagram, below:
“The Prom” remains one of Buffy’s most beloved episodes. In that episode, Buffy manages to save Sunnydale High’s senior prom from wild demons. And all while nursing a broken heart after her vampiric boyfriend Angel dumps her. But the most touching part is when the student body awards Buffy with a special award, an umbrella labeled “Class Protector.” It notes that the class of ’99 had the school’s “lowest mortality rate ever” thanks to a certain Miss Summers. It’s one of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s favorite episodes, but she never kept that Class Protector prop. So Chloé Zhao made a new one, and even recited the speech the character Jonathan gave her in that episode.
One thing Zhao said that is likely controversial with some fans is that she is a Buffy/Spike shipper. And she prefers their relationship over Buffy and Angel’s. But even more controversially, she said she’s kind of come around on Buffy’s often forgotten “normal guy” boyfriend, Riley Finn. This is a character many fans have a rabid hatred for. Which is interesting, as of her three primary boyfriends, he’s the only one who never tried to kill her or her friends. Gellar has said that any previous Buffy cast members who are still available might return for the new series. Most had counted out Riley, played by Marc Blucas, from showing up again. But now, we’re not so sure. The new Buffy the Vampire Slayer doesn’t have a premiere date yet on Hulu, but we expect more news on that soon.