Disney+ Scraps Completed SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES Series Amid Profit Concerns
By Movieguide® Contributor
Disney+ is scrapping plans to air an already-produced SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES series.
The eight-episode series was first announced in 2021, with a cast that included SHAZAM! star Jack Dylan Grazer, Joy Bryant, Christian Slater and Mychala Lee.
The show is based on the popular children’s book series of the same name. THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES was also adapted into a 2008 movie. A portion of the Movieguide® review reads:
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES is exciting family fun for children over 10. The story moves along at a brisk pace. Though the magical worldview is somewhat mixed, the basic attitude turns out to be morally uplifting and biblical. The movie affirms family and warns about the dangers of seeking occult knowledge. That said, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older pre-teens because of the movie’s magical elements, some scary violence and brief foul language.
Canceling THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES series is just Disney’s latest move in its effort to “take a $1.5 billion write-down during the fiscal third quarter,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“The decision comes as Disney — along with other media companies — have been reevaluating their streaming strategies by cutting programming costs with a renewed focus on profitability,” Deadline added.
In addition to canceling THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES before it could debut, Disney has also been pulling shows and movies from Disney+ and Hulu. THE MIGHTY DUCKS, TURNER & HOOCH, WILLOW and the 2022 CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN have all been pulled from streaming.
Deadline reported that THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES is “currently being shopped by Paramount to other potential buyers.”
Disney is still moving forward with other young adult book adaptations, including the popular “Percy Jackson” series.
“The streamer is still going all-in,” the A.V. Club wrote. “Although in that case, the show is being developed in-house, and is based on novels that Disney originally published through its Hyperion book label, so it’s not hard to see why it might be getting preferential treatment.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
