The Disney/Hulu merger opened the door for a lot of content on Disney+, and some of it has undoubtedly strayed away from Disney's magical image. However, one series that shouldn't be ignored is Disney's adaptation of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps novels.
The Goosebumps series (both book and TV show) was an icon of the '90s, and Disney definitely knows how to cash in on the nostalgia factor. That said, it's honestly quite shocking how much detail to both the horror genre and the original source material the studio gave this project.
Disney Gives Us Goosebumps (Again!)
The first Disney/Hulu season essentially blended modern horror elements seen in series like American Horror Story with imagery and story beats from the original books. While the episodes themselves aren't adaptations of the YA novels themselves, there are a lot of details only readers will catch.
It's this blend of elements that makes the series truly stand out amongst Disney+'s selection of original series. Even with a little star power from Justin Long, the first season was excellently written and served as a great introduction to horror while not being over-the-top intense.
Now, David Schwimmer (Friends) is leading season two in Goosebumps: The Vanishing, and it looks like Disney is repeating this successful formula if the footage above is to be believed. As viewers prepare for more body horror and vengeful spirits, Disney is taking us for yet another ride on the dark side.
Well-read individuals will notice references to both Monster Blood and Stay Out of the Basement in the trailer, but that's far from the only books on the menu. As season 1 took heavy inspiration from Goosebumps icons like Night of the Living Dummy, season 2 will undoubtedly do the same with a new batch.
While we cannot say how dark Disney and Hulu will go with this frightening follow-up, we can say that it looks like a fitting sequel to the season that came before. '90s kids who grew up reading the books by flashlight decades ago will certainly appreciate seeing how the horror icon has only gotten better with age.
Goosebumps: The Vanishing premieres January 10, 2025 on Disney+ and Hulu.