We recently learned that, as part of a series of cost-cutting measures, Disney+ had decided to offload The Spiderwick Chronicles to another streamer despite the eight-episode series having completed production.
Paramount Television Studios developed the adaptation of Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black's best-selling book series in conjunction with 20th Television, but Disney clearly decided the show wasn't a good fit for the platform - it's reportedly darker than most of their shows - and that it wasn't worth the money.
Another possibility, of course, is the series isn't very good and they don't want a repeat of Willow. Now, The Spiderwick Chronicles has a new home and, given that it's not a major platform, that possibility is starting to look increasingly likely.
Deadline reports that Roku will be the show's new home. Brian Tannenbaum, the company's Head of Originals, says: "It is an honor to bring The Spiderwick Chronicles, a spectacular adventure-filled story led by the incredible Christian Slater and Joy Bryant, exclusively to The Roku Channel. We cannot wait to introduce this exquisitely crafted series, imagined by a world-class creative team, to millions of streamers."
Paramount TV Studios President Nicole Clemens adds, "We are elated that The Spiderwick Chronicles has found a new home and want to thank The Roku Channel for their passionate partnership."
"Our showrunner Aron Eli Coleite has crafted a beautiful series full of all the enchantment that made the books so beloved, and we can’t wait for audiences to meet these wonderful characters."
It's also been confirmed today that the cast includes Joy Bryant as Helen Grace, Noah Cottrell as Simon Grace, Lyon Daniels as Jared Grace, Mychala Lee as Mallory Grace, Jack Dylan Grazer as the voice of Thimbletack, and Christian Slater as Mulgarath.
Based on Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black's series of wildly popular best-selling books, The Spiderwick Chronicles addresses both kids and families dealing with mental health issues (along with a variety of other topics very relevant today) in a contemporary American gothic setting. It's a classic coming-of-age story that was originally expected to play out over several years on Disney+.
In the books, upon leaving New York and moving to Michigan and into their run-down ancestral home - The Spiderwick Estate - with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate, fantastical world.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law helmer Kat Coiro is directing the first two episodes of the show, while Aron Eli Coleite (Locke & Key) serves as showrunner. DiTerlizzi and Black will be executive producers, a sign we can expect the TV show to remain faithful to the spirit of those beloved books.
A premiere date for The Spiderwick Chronicles has not been revealed.