David Schwimmer’s Goosebumps: The Vanishing – Trailer, Release date, cast, plot, & more About the Anthology Series

Get ready, Goosebumps fans! In a thrilling announcement, Disney+ and Hulu have revealed the subtitle for the upcoming second season of the beloved anthology series, Goosebumps: The Vanishing. 

This exciting news coincided with the celebration of R.L. Stine’s birthday, heightening anticipation for the series. It returns after a captivating first season that left viewers on the edge of their seats with some unresolved mysteries.

Goosebumps: The Vanishing promises to deliver more chills and thrills as it dives deeper into the eerie world Stine created. Following the success of the inaugural season, which followed a group of teens grappling with supernatural forces in their small town, the new season will introduce a fresh narrative while maintaining the essence of Stine's signature blend of horror and humor.

The recent teaser gave fans a glimpse of Emmy Award nominee David Schwimmer as Anthony Brewer, a former botany professor whose involvement in a gripping mystery adds to the excitement. As the countdown begins, prepare to discover what Goosebumps: The Vanishing has in store, including its captivating plot twists, character developments, and insights into the creative team behind it all.

Excitement is building, and you won't want to miss what’s coming next. Stay tuned for updates as we unravel more details about this spine-tingling new season!

Release date & Where to Watch

All eight episodes of Goosebumps: The Vanishing are set to premiere on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Viewers in the US can watch the series on Hulu, while it will be available on Disney+ in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Plot

Goosebumps: The Vanishing picks up with twins Cece and Devin Brewer as they spend the summer with their divorced father in Gravesend, Brooklyn. The summer quickly takes a dark turn as the twins discover unsettling secrets that trigger a series of mysterious events tied to the disappearance of four teenagers in 1994.

The new season draws inspiration from several beloved R.L. Stine titles. The showrunners have emphasized the importance of modernizing the series while retaining its horror roots. “There are so many books with amazing premises, and it's exciting to delve into those we haven't touched yet,” series developer Nicholas Stoller shared in November 2023.

With its blend of humor and horror, the show aims to attract both returning viewers and new fans, despite its release being timed long after Halloween. 

Season one concluded on a significant cliffhanger, leaving the door open for potential cameos from previous characters. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the new mysteries and thrilling twists the second season promises.

Cast

• David Schwimmer (Friends) as Anthony Brewer
• Ana Ortiz as Jen
• Jayden Bartels as Cece
• Sam McCarthy as Devin
• Elijah M. Cooper (9-1-1 and Chicago P.D.) as CJ
• Galilea La Salvia as Frankie
• Francesca Noel as Alex
• Stony Blyden as Trey

Official Trailer

The teaser for Goosebumps: The Vanishing hints at a creepy narrative that echoes the feel of Venom. Starring Schwimmer as Anthony Brewer, a divorced father, the brief glimpse introduces a mysterious dark substance that appears to attach itself to hosts, creating chaos. Schwimmer’s voice hints at the dangers within the story, including a character’s alarming warning: “Stay away from her!” 

Which Books may Inspire Season 2 of Goosebumps?

Season two of Goosebumps will draw inspiration from several beloved books, including Stay Out of the Basement. This particular story features a father who conducts plant experiments in their basement, leading his children to question the safety of the plants when he begins exhibiting plant-like characteristics. 

In addition to Stay Out of the Basement, the series has previously referenced titles such as Welcome to Dead House, Say Cheese and Die!, The Haunted Mask, The Cuckoo Clock of Doom, Go Eat Worms!, Night of the Living Dummy, You Can't Scare Me!, and Welcome to Horrorland. 

How Involved is Author R.L. Stine in the Production of Goosebumps: The Vanishing?

R.L. Stine, the creator of the Goosebumps franchise, gave his stamp of approval to the Disney+ series, as noted by executive producers Conor Welch and Pavun Shetty. Welch expressed that receiving an email from Stine after watching the pilot, where he shared his excitement about the adaptation, was a significant highlight of their careers. Although Stine wasn't involved in the writers' room, his influence was felt throughout the creative process. 

Welch emphasized the team's commitment to elevating the material and ensuring that fans of the books would be excited about the new direction, rather than simply rehashing previous stories. Stine’s presence was a constant motivation for the team to meet the high expectations associated with his work.

Behind the Scenes

Goosebumps: The Vanishing is developed by Nicholas Stoller and Rob Letterman, alongside showrunner Hilary Winston, all of whom also serve as executive producers. 

Other executive producers include Neal H. Moritz, Scholastic Entertainment’s Iole Lucchese and Caitlin Friedman, Pavun Shetty, Conor Welch, Erin O’Malley, Karl Frankenfield, and James Eagan. The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television.