Disney+ Halts Gender-Swapped Reboot Pilot Plans
Disney+ has officially halted plans for the pilot of *Holes*, a reimagined adaptation of Louis Sachar’s celebrated 1998 novel and its 2003 Disney film. The project generated significant anticipation, featuring a female lead character, Hayley, played by Shay Rudolph, known for her role in *The Baby-Sitters Club*.
Cast and Crew Behind the Pilot
The cast included notable talents such as Greg Kinnear and Aidy Bryant. Other cast members were Delis Alicea, Anire Kim Amoda, Noah Cottrell, Iesha Daniels, Sophie Dieterlen, Alexandra Doke, and Maeve Press. The script was penned by Alina Mankin, while Liz Phang was appointed as showrunner.
Production and Ownership
- Executive producers: Liz Phang, Alina Mankin, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg
- Production companies: 20th Television, Walden Media
- Original rights holder: Shamrock
- Producer of the original film: Mike Medavoy
The pilot was produced under Disney Branded Entertainment, which had recently received tax credits allocated specifically for this potential series. However, the project did not meet the high expectations set by Disney, leading to the decision not to move forward.
Plot Overview of *Holes*
The modern adaptation was designed to follow Hayley, a teenage girl sent to a detention camp. At this camp, the strict Warden, portrayed by Kinnear, compelled campers to dig holes for unclear reasons, adding layers of mystery and adventure.
Current Developments in Streaming Content
Disney+ continues to expand its offerings. The service is behind the ongoing success of *Percy Jackson and the Olympians*, which recently premiered its second season and has already been renewed for a third season. Furthermore, Disney Branded Television recently greenlit a new pilot, *Eerie Prep*, based on the *Eerie Elementary* children’s book series for Disney+ and Disney Channel.
The cancellation of the *Holes* pilot underscores the competitive nature of content production in today’s streaming landscape, where high standards often dictate the fate of projects.
