A new year means new content development for Disney+. The streamer has ordered a pilot for a potential new series based on Louis Sachar‘s 1998 book “Holes.” The House of Mouse previously adapted the work into a feature film in 2003 starring Shia LaBeouf and Sigourney Weaver.
“In this reimagining of the beloved 1998 book from Louis Sachar, a teenage girl is sent to a detention camp where the ruthless Warden forces the campers to dig holes for a mysterious purpose,” reads the official synopsis.
The Series
“Holes” has Alina Mankin (“Lodge 49”) attached to write and executive produce, with Liz Phang as showrunner and executive producer. Drew Goddard and Andrea Massaro will executive produce for Goddard Textiles with Sarah Esberg and Mike Medavoy.
The 2003 film was produced by Walden Media, who will be returning for the pilot episode. The company has been trying to get an adaptation like this off the ground for some time now.
“Holes”
Sachar’s book centers around Stanley Yelnats, a young boy who is put in a juvenile detention camp for a crime he didn’t do. As bizzare form of punishment Camp Green Lake forces the boy and his peers to dig holes in a dry lake bed. As the story goes on the mysteries of the camp and Stanley’s family begin to reveal themselves.
“My mom’s been a schoolteacher for her whole life and, as such, she’s served as a de facto book scout for Goddard Textiles,” Goddard told Variety. “She always knows what ‘the kids’ are into long before everyone else does. ‘Holes’ was the first book she suggested to me – this was back in the late ‘90s – and she was positive it was going to be a phenomenon. It feels good to bring it full circle for Mrs. Goddard and her sixth grade class.”
“They’ve done a wonderful job capturing Louis Sachar’s unique spirit,” Goddard adds. “To say much more about what they have in store would spoil all the fun.”
We’ll keep you posted on updates about The “Holes” TV series as they become available. The 2003 film is currently streaming exclusively of Disney+.
