Disney+ Secures New Live-Action Series: Casper the Friendly Ghost Reimagined
Disney+ has secured a new live-action series based on Casper the Friendly Ghost in a competitive bidding war. The project is a modern update on the classic ghost story and is in the early stages of development. The series is expected to have a dark edge similar to Wednesday from the Addams Family lore. Rob Letterman and Hilary Winston are writing and executive producing the show, with Steven Spielberg also on board as an executive producer.
Casper, originally a friendly ghost in animated movies by Famous Studios, was later acquired by Harvey Comics and has since appeared in comic books, animated TV series, and a 1995 live-action film produced by Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment. The new Disney+ series will be a co-production between DreamWorks Animation TV and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, marking Universal Studio Group's first project on Disney+.
The new live-action series is expected to feature CGI effects, similar to the 1995 Casper movie. Universal Studio Group has a presence on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Apple TV, HBO Max, and Hulu. The potential Disney+ series is a significant project based on famous IP that is not from the Disney ecosystem or book adaptations.
Rob Letterman, known for directing Goosebumps and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, is set to direct the new Casper series. Hilary Winston, who has worked on various comedy series and feature films, will serve as an executive producer and co-showrunner on the project. The series is a unique addition to Disney+ and will co-exist with other famous ghost characters on the platform.
In conclusion, the new Casper series on Disney+ is a highly anticipated project that brings a modern twist to the classic ghost story. With a talented team behind the show and the backing of Disney+, fans can look forward to a fresh take on the beloved character.