From Book to Screen: A Journey through Time
The name “Goosebumps” often stirs nostalgia in those who grew up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. A series of children’s horror novels penned by RL Stine, “Goosebumps” emerged as a sensation during its time. The immense popularity of the books soon led to a TV series adaptation that had a glimpse of stars like Ryan Gosling in their early days.
However, the evolution didn’t stop there. Later, the franchise took another leap into the cinematic world with the release of two self-aware horror-comedy films, starring Jack Black as a fictionalized RL Stine. These movies portrayed Stine’s manuscripts as supernatural entities that imprisoned the monsters from his imagination.
“Five years post the conclusion of Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween, Disney offers us yet another reboot in 2023. But this isn’t the only Stine-inspired screen venture we’ve seen in the interval. Netflix’s Fear Street trilogy in 2021, derived from Stine’s YA series, presented a stark contrast to the usual Goosebumps content. Intended for a mature audience, these were straight-up R-rated horror films.
Disney’s 2023 Spin: A New Narrative Perspective
It’s crucial for fans to note that the 2023 Disney reboot doesn’t align with the canon of the 2010s movies. Though both iterations share a semblance in creative influence.
“Disney’s 2023 Goosebumps show is not canonically linked to the live-action movies of the 2010s.“
Even if viewers are missing the charismatic presence of Jack Black’s RL Stine, they’ll find comfort in familiar creative hands. The 2023 reboot is graced by the expertise of Rob Letterman, who not only developed the show but also took the director’s seat for the pilot episode. Interestingly, Letterman also helmed the 2015 Goosebumps movie, and it’s evident that the reboot borrows its tone from this venture. However, the latest series pitches itself to an older audience and leans less towards comedy.
Co-developer Nicholas Stoller and Letterman together crafted a narrative approach that stands out in the franchise’s legacy. Drawing a page from Fear Street, they recognize the allure of character-driven drama.
“One thing that the Goosebumps reboot learned from Fear Street is that character drama can be as compelling as monster-centric chaos.“
The promo material for the 2023 show indeed promises a more earthed ambiance, highlighting the bonds and dynamics among its teen protagonists.
Comparing the Old with the New
Drawing a parallel with the past, the 2023 reboot is noticeably distinct from its ’90s counterpart. One major difference lies in the age of the central characters. Unlike the middle-school-aged heroes of the original series, the 2023 version places its protagonists in high school.
Also, the narrative structure of the shows differs. The ‘90s series was predominantly an anthology, offering standalone spooky tales in each episode. In contrast, the current reboot has a threaded storyline spanning its entire season.
“Although 2023’s Goosebumps does adapt classic novels from the series, the show has a season-long arc.“
It indeed absorbs elements from Stine’s classic works, but the overarching plot distinctly separates it from both its ‘90s predecessor and the more recent live-action films.
In sum, Disney’s 2023 Goosebumps presents a fresh and mature take on a beloved franchise. With its altered tone and character depth, it’s poised to introduce a new generation to the chills and thrills of Stine’s universe, while also catering to the nostalgia of long-time fans.
