The return of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is official. Per Deadline, Hulu is reportedly closing in on a pilot order, Chloe Zhao is set to direct, and Sarah Michelle Gellar will once again don the mantle of the Chosen One.
But while fans wait for real footage, they’ll have to brace themselves for something less exciting—an inevitable wave of bad AI-generated trailers.
The Buffy fandom has been here before. Whenever a long-awaited revival is announced, the internet explodes with fan theories, concept art, and speculative trailers.
But in recent years, the rise of AI has given way to something far worse: cheaply made, algorithm-driven trailers that attempt to fool viewers into thinking they’re real.
It’s no secret that these AI trailers often turn out as laughable messes, riddled with unsettling visuals and awkwardly edited voiceovers.
From distorted facial expressions to bizarrely phrased dialogue, they’re usually more nightmare fuel than tribute. And now that Buffy is making a comeback, it’s only a matter of time before the floodgates open.
Thankfully, there’s one Buffy trailer that’s actually worth watching—the kind that takes real effort. Case in point: the fan-made Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Resurrection trailer, which surfaced years ago and still holds up.
Featuring footage from various cast projects, this edit weaves together a compelling ‘what-if’ scenario, imagining an alternate Buffy continuation. It might not be real, but it’s a genuine passion project that respects the original show’s legacy.
Related: Will Buffy the Vampire Slayer Get a Disney Makeover?
Unlike AI-generated clickbait, fan trailers like this one reflect an understanding of what makes Buffy special.
They also don’t rely on creepy, rubbery CGI faces or poorly translated AI dialogue. Instead, they tap into nostalgia in an authentic way, showing love for the series rather than trying to cash in on a trending topic.
With the real reboot moving forward, the Buffy fandom is in for a rollercoaster ride. Whether Hulu’s version will satisfy longtime fans remains to be seen, but at least we can take comfort in knowing that the Slayer’s return is being handled by people who care.
Now, if only AI trailers could be staked before they even had a chance to rise…
Where Can You Watch Buffy and Angel?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is currently available to stream on Disney+. It stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz, Alyson Hannigan, and the rest of the iconic cast. Angel, its spinoff series, follows Boreanaz’s brooding vampire in his own supernatural battles.
Are you excited to see Buffy return? Let us know in the comments!
