13 October 2023 , 15:26
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Disney+ is launching a new Goosebumps series just in time for Halloween. The 10-part reboot – based on R.L. Stine’s hugely popular horror anthology series – drops this October, making it perfect viewing as we edge closer to spooky season.
Stine’s Goosebumps is one of the bestselling book series of all time, with more than 400m books in print in 32 languages, according to Disney. It spawned a hugely popular TV series that ran for four seasons between 1995 and 1998, as well as two film adaptations starring Jack Black as a fictional version of the author.
Premiering as part of Disney’s ‘Hallowstream’ celebrations, its latest TV adaptation promises to be a spookier and more mature version of the original beloved series. The tagline of the new series reads, “Scarier than you remember,” and early reviews suggest the Disney+ reboot ramps up the mystery and the tension compared to its 90s predecessor.
Ahead of the series launch, Disney Branded Television president Ayo Davis described the Goosebumps franchise as a “pop culture phenomenon” that “holds a special place” in people’s hearts. She added: “We hope [the new series] will not only captivate new audiences with its elevated thrills and chills, but also lifelong fans nostalgic for the stories that are a staple of their generation.”
Disney’s Goosebumps has earned some positive reviews ahead of its launch and is sure to be nostalgic for the legion of 90s kids who enjoyed the original series as a staple of their after school TV. Here, we break down everything you need to know about the Disney+ Goosebumps series.
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What is the Goosebumps reboot about?
According to the official synopsis, Goosebumps follows a group of five high school friends as they embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing of teenager Harold Biddle three decades earlier, while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past.
Detective Pikachu writer-director Rob Letterman and The Muppets writer Nicholas Stoller have developed the series, which draws on elements from five of the most popular book titles, Say Cheese and Die!, The Haunted Mask, The Cuckoo Clock of Doom, Go Eat Worms! and Night of the Living Dummy. Fans of the franchise will recognise iconic ventriloquist dummy Slappy front-and-centre in the reboot’s poster.
Speaking to The Direct, Letterman revealed the series will also “dive deep into the mythology” of the series’ wooden antagonist, explaining “what it is and where it comes from.”
Who is the cast of Goosebumps?
Jeepers Creepers and Barbarian star Justin Long fronts the series as high school teacher Mr. Bratt alongside Lucifer’s Rachael Harris. EastEnders’ Zack Morris, Star Trek: Picard’s Isa Briones, Gossip Girl’s Ana Yi Puig, The Equalizer’s Will Price and Guilty Party’s Miles McKenna form the show’s unlucky group of haunted high schoolers.
Justin Long stars as Mr Bratt (Disney/David Astorga)The Goldbergs and I Love You, Man actor Rob Huebel was a late addition to the cast, earning a recurring role as a high school guidance counsellor, Variety reported.
When is Goosebumps released in the UK?
The Goosebumps reboot will launch with a five-episode drop on Friday, October 13, with new episodes dropping on Fridays. The 10-part series will be available to stream with a membership to Disney+.
Fans can also bag limited-time deal to get 12 months of Disney+ for the price of eight right up until October 31.