Disney+ is developing a new live-action series centered around Casper the Friendly Ghost, aiming to capture the whimsical yet darkly comedic tone reminiscent of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday.
The project is being helmed by the talented duo Rob Letterman and Hilary Winston, known for their work on the popular Disney+ series Goosebumps.
The series, which its plot is being kept under wraps, brings together a powerhouse team that includes Steven Spielberg, who previously executive produced the beloved 1995 film Casper starring Christina Ricci. The film reintroduced the friendly ghost to a new generation. The creative collaboration continues with UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, ensuring that the new series will carry forward the legacy of Casper while exploring fresh narratives.
Casper first appeared in a 1939 comic strip created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo, quickly becoming a cultural icon. The character was designed as a friendly spirit who preferred making friends rather than scaring people, a unique twist that set him apart from traditional ghost stories.
The original animated shorts, produced by Famous Studios, debuted in the 1940s, presenting Casper as a gentle ghost navigating the challenges of being different in a world that often fears the unknown.
In the mid-90s, the character made a grand return to the big screen in Casper, where a young Christina Ricci played the lead role alongside a cast of notable actors, including Bill Pullman and Cathy Moriarty. The film combined live-action with visual effects to bring Casper and his spooky yet lovable uncles Fatso, Stinky, and Stretch to life. Multiple straight to DVD sequels were released throughout the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
