Disney+ is set to revive the iconic Goosebumps franchise in an upcoming television series. Unlike the previous Goosebumps films led by Jack Black, this new show will follow a different approach. It will focus on a continuous narrative where an ambiguous evil is unleashed into the world, and the protagonists must restore order, rather than adopting an anthology format. The series is generating significant buzz, especially since Disney recently shared fresh photos and announced a premiere date—Friday the 13th of October.
The excitement surrounding the show deepened as Disney revealed that it would draw inspiration from five of the most popular Goosebumps books. Let’s delve into the five chosen novels and what fans can anticipate.
The Chosen Goosebumps Books
“The Cuckoo Clock of Doom” – Goosebumps Book #28
The twenty-eighth book in the series, “The Cuckoo Clock of Doom,” was released in February 1995. It centers on Michael, a 12-year-old who accidentally reverses time while trying to incriminate his sister by damaging an antique cuckoo clock. This misadventure leads to a journey through the years, possibly jeopardizing his own existence. Unlike “Go Eat Worms!”, this book holds a special place as one of R.L. Stine’s favorites in the Goosebumps series.
“The Haunted Mask” – Goosebumps Book #11
Published in September 1993, “The Haunted Mask” introduces Carly Beth, who obtains a Halloween mask that terrifies her brother and friends. The catch? She can’t remove it. This tale, with its unforgettable mask, has been a fan favorite since its release. While it featured in the original TV series, the recent films didn’t delve into it extensively, making its return to the spotlight eagerly anticipated.
“Say Cheese and Die!” – Goosebumps Book #4
The fourth book in the Goosebumps series, “Say Cheese and Die!” introduces readers to Greg and his friends, who stumble upon a peculiar camera. This camera possesses an eerie ability to predict deadly outcomes, captured in its unsettling photographs. First published in November 1992, this tale became a fan favorite. While it was adapted into an episode in the original Goosebumps TV series, it was absent from the more recent Jack Black-led film adaptations.
“Go Eat Worms!” – Goosebumps Book #21
“Go Eat Worms!” tells the story of Todd, an avid worm enthusiast, known for tormenting those around him with surprise worm appearances in various unsettling scenarios. However, Todd’s world takes a bizarre turn when the worms he once controlled seem to turn against him, appearing everywhere he goes. Ironically, this tale, published in July 1994, is one of R.L. Stine’s least favorite in the series.
“Night of the Living Dummy” – Goosebumps Book #7
The seventh installment of the Goosebumps series, known as “Night of the Living Dummy” or “The Night of the Living Dummy,” was released in May 1993. The story revolves around Lindy, who acquires a ventriloquist dummy named Slappy. Chaos ensues when her sister also gets a dummy named Mr. Woods, leading to a spell that brings the dummies to life. Slappy, an iconic character, has been a consistent presence in all Goosebumps adaptations.
Anticipation And Possibilities For The New Goosebumps Series
While some fans may have hoped for an anthology format, the new Goosebumps series is set to maintain a continuous narrative, akin to the Jack Black films. However, with a limited selection of books, it offers the potential for a more focused storytelling approach. Instead of a chaotic blend of various Goosebumps tales, the show might delve deeply into each chosen book, exploring the stories in full. Alternatively, the main characters could find themselves seeking out these stories as they unfold. As Disney+ prepares to bring these beloved Goosebumps books to life, fans can look forward to a fresh take on the iconic series.
