Disney+ is developing a new live-action series based on Casper the Friendly Ghost, adding another familiar title to the streaming service’s lineup as platforms continue to lean on recognizable characters.
The project is in early development and does not yet have a release timeline. According to Deadline, the series landed at Disney+ after a five-way bidding war, pointing to strong interest in the property across the industry.
Rob Letterman and Hilary Winston are writing the series, with Letterman set to direct. Both previously worked on Disney+’s Goosebumps. Steven Spielberg is attached as an executive producer, connecting the project to the 1995 Casper film he helped produce.
Few story details have been released. The series is described as a modern take on the classic ghost story, with a darker tone than earlier versions. It is expected to use CGI effects similar to the 1995 film, which starred Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman.
Cross-studio deal shows shifting streaming landscape
The series is being developed by DreamWorks Animation TV and Universal Content Productions, both part of NBCUniversal. If it moves forward, it would be one of the first projects from Universal Studio Group to land on Disney+.
That type of arrangement has become more common as studios look to place content across multiple platforms. Universal already has series on Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+ and HBO Max, along with projects in development at Hulu and Peacock.
For Disney+, the project adds a well-known name that sits outside its usual catalog of in-house brands. The platform has built much of its library around Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar properties. A third-party title like Casper expands that approach while still relying on familiar material.
Casper dates back to animated shorts released in the 1940s before moving into comic books and television. The character has appeared in several animated series and films over the decades. The 1995 live-action movie remains the most widely known version for many viewers.
There is no confirmation yet that the project has been ordered to series. For now, it remains in development as Disney+ continues to build out its slate.