Roku has moved in and saved The Spiderwick Chronicles starring Christian Slater and Joy Bryant and based on Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s popular book series. In August 2023, Disney+ dropped The Spiderwick Chronicles after the eight-episode season had wrapped filming.
The cancellation prompted Paramount Television Studios and 20th Television to shop the series elsewhere, with Roku snatching up the U.S. rights. Fans of the bestselling books can now expect an early 2024 premiere on The Roku Channel.
“It is an honor to bring The Spiderwick Chronicles, a spectacular adventure-filled story led by the incredible Christian Slater and Joy Bryant, exclusively to The Roku Channel,” stated Brian Tannenbaum, Head of Originals, Roku Media. “We cannot wait to introduce this exquisitely crafted series, imagined by a world-class creative team, to millions of streamers.”
Joy Bryant stars as Helen Grace, Christian Slater plays Mulgarath, Noah Cottrell is Simon Grace, Lyon Daniels is Jared Grace, and Mychala Lee plays Mallory Grace. Jack Dylan Grazer provides the voice of Thimbletack.
“We are elated that The Spiderwick Chronicles has found a new home and want to thank The Roku Channel for their passionate partnership,” said Nicole Clemens, President of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “Our showrunner Aron Eli Coleite has crafted a beautiful series full of all the enchantment that made the books so beloved, and we can’t wait for audiences to meet these wonderful characters.”
Executive producers include Aron Eli Coleite, Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, D.J. Goldberg, Julie Kane-Ritsch, and Grace Gilroy. Executive producer Kat Coiro directed episodes one and two.
The Roku Channel offers this description of the series:
“The Spiderwick Chronicles follows the coming-of-age story of the Grace Family, as they move from New York to Michigan and into their family’s ancestral home. Upon arrival, the family not only uncovers mysteries hidden inside their great grandfather’s Spiderwick Estate, but also discovers a secret, fantastical world around them.”
