Observed Signal · Apr 30, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Disney+ Developing Live-Action Casper Series
Disney+ is developing a new live-action series based on Casper the Friendly Ghost, entering early development with no release date announced. The project reportedly landed at Disney+ after a five-way bidding war. Rob Letterman and Hilary Winston are writing the series, with Letterman set to direct, and Steven Spielberg attached as an executive producer. The show is being developed by DreamWorks Animation TV and Universal Content Productions (both part of NBCUniversal), representing a cross-studio placement for Universal Studio Group on Disney+. The series is described as a modern, darker take on the classic story and is expected to use CGI effects similar to the 1995 Casper film.
Adds third-party IP to Disney+'s content slate and reflects cross-studio content placements that can influence streaming catalogs and CTV inventory, but it is a development-stage content deal rather than an industry-shifting policy or platform change.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Disney+ is developing a live-action series based on Casper the Friendly Ghost.
- The project landed at Disney+ after a five-way bidding war.
- Rob Letterman and Hilary Winston are writing the series; Rob Letterman is set to direct.
- Steven Spielberg is attached as an executive producer.
- The series is being developed by DreamWorks Animation TV and Universal Content Productions (NBCUniversal), potentially one of the first Universal Studio Group projects to land on Disney+.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Disney+ Cancels Planned Live-Action Power Rangers Series
Disney+ will not move forward with a planned live-action Power Rangers television series after roughly a year and a half in development, according to Deadline. The project had been written and executive produced by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz with 20th Television attached. Sources cited business and financial considerations — including the high production costs of a large-scale superhero series and the fact that Hasbro owns the underlying IP — as primary reasons for the decision. Hasbro may seek other partners to revive a live-action adaptation in the future.
Disney TV Launches December 1 with Adult-Focused Programming
Disney will relaunch its German Disney Channel as Disney TV on December 1, 2026. The new channel will target an older, adult audience while retaining children's content. Disney announced a programming slate including series like 'Modern Family,' 'Scrubs,' and 'Seattle Firefighters' during the day and early evening. Prime time will feature crime dramas such as 'Tracker' (making its free-TV premiere), blockbuster films like 'The Lion King,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and 'Encanto,' as well as Marvel titles like 'Thor,' 'Ant-Man,' and 'Doctor Strange.' Content from Hulu, FX, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and 20th Century Studios will also be included. Children's programming will continue with shows like 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+,' 'Spidey and His Amazing Friends,' 'Sofia the First: Royal Magic School,' and 'Miraculous.' The move is aimed at broadening the channel's audience.
Disney+ Orders Pilot Based on EPCOT's Spaceship Earth
Disney+ has ordered a pilot for a new series inspired by the Spaceship Earth ride at EPCOT. The story premise centers on teenagers from Earth's past and future who must unite to stop an impending global catastrophe. The pilot is written by Jason Fuchs and Michael Waldron, who will also executive produce alongside director Lee Toland Krieger, Adam Fishbach, and Adam Fasullo. The Spaceship Earth attraction, which illustrates the history of communication, has been operating since EPCOT opened in 1982. If greenlit to series, the project would join several other Disney productions adapted from park attractions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
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