A pilot order has been given by Disney+ for “Witch Mountain,” a new series based on the popular 1968 novel, “Escape to Witch Mountain” by Alexander Key, which spawned a series of films from 1975 to 2009.
The Details
The Disney+ series is described as a “reimagining” of the popular Disney film franchise.
It will follow two teens, Tia (Isabel Gravitt; “The Watcher”) and Ben (Levi Miller; “Kraven the Hunter”), that develop strange abilities and discover their sleepy suburb that may not be as idyllic as it seems.
Tia is a straight-A student, viewed as the perfect teen by her classmates, but she has recently been plagued by “hallucinations” in which people around her step outside their living bodies and voice their deepest, darkest fears and desires and rages.
Ben is the opposite…a troubled teen who makes ends meet by writing papers for other students. He discovers a new ability to force others in his vicinity to move according to his will.
Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World” trilogy) will star as Audrey, Tia’s devoted and loving mother, whose husband died from a mental illness that Tia worries is affecting her as well.
Also cast as series regulars in the pilot are Bianca “b” Norwood (“We Crashed”) as Corey, Ben’s best friend and diner co-worker, and Jackson Kelly (“V/H/S/99”) as Peter, Tia’s best friend who secretly crushes on her.
Travis Fickett and Terry Matalas (“12 Monkeys” series), Davis Entertainment (“The Blacklist”) and ABC Signature are executive producing.
Augustine Frizzell (“Euphoria”) will direct and is executive producer on the pilot.
The Disney Branded Television series is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios.
Witch Mountain History
Those who are old enough (like me) will remember the trilogy of 1970’s-1980’s Disney films based on the book: “Escape To Witch Mountain” (1975); “Return From Witch Mountain” (1978); and “Beyond Witch Mountain” (1982).
The first two starred Kim Richards (“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”) as Tia, and Ike Eisenmann as Tony, mysterious orphan children who have extraordinary powers and are chased by a scheming millionaire. The second film also has the great Christopher Lee and Bette Davis.
In the third film, Richards and Eisenmann were replaced by Tracey Goldman (“Growning Pains”) and Andrew Freeman as Tia and Tony.
“Disney’s Escape To Witch Mountain” in 1995 was a remake of the 1975 film, but took out the characters of Tia and Tony, replacing them with Anna (Elisabeth Moss; “The Handmaid’s Tale”) and Danny (Erik von Detten; voice of Sid in “Toy Story”).
In 2009, Disney once again remade the 1975 film, calling it “Race to Witch Mountain.” It starred AnnaSophia Robb (“Bridge to Terabithia”) and Alexander Ludwig (“Vikings”) as brother and sister duo Sara and Seth.
The film also featured Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in his second film ever for Disney. He plays a cab driver and former convict who agrees to help the children.
And now the story will be a series for Disney+. No potential date has been given for its debut, but it will most likely be in 2024 or 2025.
In the meantime, you can watch the original “Escape To Witch Mountain,” “Return to Witch Mountain,” and “Race to Witch Mountain” on Disney+.
Will you be watching the series when it airs? Let us know in the comments.