Disney+ has made the decision not to proceed with the TV series adaptation of the popular book series, “The Spiderwick Chronicles.” The six-episode series, produced by Paramount Television Studios and 20th Television, will now be shopped to other potential buyers.
Initially announced in November 2021, Disney described the adaptation as a modern coming-of-age story combined with fantasy adventure. The book series, written by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, has gained immense popularity, selling over 10 million copies worldwide and being translated into 32 languages. In 2008, it was also adapted into a Paramount movie.
The cancellation of “The Spiderwick Chronicles” adaptation adds to a string of recent cancellations by Disney. The company recently signaled a $1.5 billion write-down in its fiscal third quarter by removing about 30 shows from Disney+ and Hulu in an effort to reduce costs. Among the series that have been pulled from the streaming services are “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” “Y: The Last Man,” “The Mighty Ducks,” “Turner & Hooch,” “Willow,” “Maggie,” “Dollface,” and the upcoming 2022 series “Cheaper By the Dozen.”
The TV series of “The Spiderwick Chronicles” follows the Grace Family, consisting of twin brothers Jared and Simon, their sister Mallory, and their mother Helen. The family moves into their ancestral home, where they uncover a dark mystery surrounding their great-great uncle, who once discovered a secret faerie world.
The executive producers of the series include Kat Coiro, Jeremy Bell, Holly Black, Aron Eli Coleite, Tony DiTerlizzi, Grace Gilroy, D.J. Goldberg, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, and Julie Kane-Ritsch.
News of Disney+ shelving the series adaptation was first reported by Deadline.
Although the cancellation of “The Spiderwick Chronicles” adaptation may come as a disappointment to fans, there is still hope that the series will find a new home with another network or streaming platform. The popularity of the book series and the potential for a captivating and visually stunning TV adaptation make it an attractive prospect for other buyers.
The decision to cancel the series may have been driven by Disney’s cost-cutting measures, as the company aims to streamline its content offerings and focus on its most profitable endeavors. By removing shows that may be underperforming or not aligning with the company’s long-term strategy, Disney aims to optimize its investment in original content.
While cancellations are a regular occurrence in the entertainment industry, fans can take solace in the fact that there are countless other shows and movies available on Disney+ and other platforms. The streaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new and exciting content being released regularly. Additionally, there is always the possibility of revival or adaptation of beloved stories in the future.
In conclusion, Disney’s decision not to move forward with the TV series adaptation of “The Spiderwick Chronicles” is a disappointing development for fans eagerly awaiting the show. However, there is still hope that the series will find a new home, and fans can continue to enjoy the vast array of content available on Disney+ and other platforms. The cancellation is part of Disney’s broader cost-cutting strategy, as the company aims to optimize its investment in original content. Despite the setback, the entertainment landscape is ever-changing, and there are always new and exciting shows and movies to discover.