“Goosebumps: Disney Unleashes a Spine-Chilling Adaptation that Honors the Book’s Legacy”

Disney‘s Adaptation of Goosebumps: Missed Opportunity or Promising Start?

The Foie Gras of Streaming Services

Disney+ has developed a reputation as the foie gras of streaming services – not because of its refinement, but because of its tendency to force-feed its viewers with excessive content. From bloating the Star Wars franchise to saturating the Marvel universe, Disney has often struggled to strike the right balance. The latest property to receive this attention is Goosebumps, the series of spooky RL Stine books that haunted children for three decades. Unfortunately, while Disney‘s adaptation of Goosebumps shows promise, the delivery falls short, leaving fans disappointed and hungry for more.

A Sturdy Franchise to Adapt

Goosebumps has proven to be a reliable and adaptable franchise across various forms of media. From a 74-episode anthology series in the 1990s to movies, games, comics, and musicals, Goosebumps has maintained its core DNA throughout its iterations. Disney‘s take on Goosebumps marks another tonal shift, drawing inspiration from the popular show Stranger Things. The series revolves around a group of schoolkids who come together to investigate the growing strangeness in their town, reminiscent of Stranger Things’ nostalgic 1980s references. However, Goosebumps sets itself apart by grounding the story in the present day and featuring characters who appear much older than they should be.

Striking the Right Balance

While the homage to Stranger Things slows down the pace of the episodes and results in longer, soap opera-like scenes, there are moments when Goosebumps shines. When the series stays true to Stine’s books, it delivers thrilling and eerie experiences. The first two episodes available at launch capture the essence of the Goosebumps stories, providing giddy delight for viewers. From the introduction of clones through a cuckoo clock mishap to a lunkish thrillseeker gaining new powers from eating worms, these moments hit the mark precisely, appealing to younger audiences without patronizing them.

The Well-Judged Cast

One of the strengths of Goosebumps is its well-judged cast. Despite some confusion caused by certain actors appearing much younger or older than their characters, the performances are solid. Justin Long, in particular, seamlessly transitions between goofy and menacing, capturing the essence of his character. His portrayal adds depth and excitement to the series, giving viewers the impression that he is thoroughly enjoying his role.

Promising Potential

This new adaptation of Goosebumps displays promising potential. However, its success in the future ultimately lies in Disney‘s hands. It is crucial for Disney to avoid saturating the franchise with unnecessary spin-offs and to ensure that episodes are uploaded in the correct order, as the current slip-up with missing episodes has left fans disgruntled. Goosebumps on Disney+ has the opportunity to captivate audiences and become a beloved addition to the franchise, but it must strike the delicate balance between honoring the source material and offering fresh and captivating content.

About the Author

is a current affairs commentator and critic. With a keen eye for entertainment and cultural trends, Felsenthal offers insightful analysis and commentary on various topics.