Goosebumps: Co-Creator & Showrunner Teases Blair Witch-Style Episode of The Vanishing

Anticipation Surrounds Goosebumps: The Vanishing

Showrunner Hilary Winston and co-creator Rob Letterman are stirring excitement with their recent revelations about an innovative episode that pays homage to the iconic *Blair Witch Project* in the upcoming series, *Goosebumps: The Vanishing*. This new chapter of the beloved children’s horror franchise, based on R. L. Stine’s works, premiered on Disney+ and Hulu in 2023, marking the fourth adaptation in the franchise’s history. Following a suspenseful cliffhanger that concluded season one, the show will now branch into an anthology format, with season two titled *The Vanishing*, set to debut on January 10, featuring a remarkable cast including David Schwimmer, Jayden Bartels, and Ana Ortiz.

Inside the Blair Witch-Inspired Episode

In an exclusive discussion with Screen Rant, Letterman and Winston unveiled their plans for a *Goosebumps: The Vanishing* episode shot in a found-footage style reminiscent of *The Blair Witch Project*. They emphasized their innovative filming techniques, which reflect their commitment to maximizing production value on a budget. The duo reached out to Eduardo Sánchez, the co-director of the original film, to bring an authentic found-footage aesthetic to this episode.

Rob Letterman: Yeah, and we’re very location-based. That’s just how we do the show. We don’t have a ton of money, so we try to get our production value out of just being in the real world as much as possible, so that becomes the look. So, there’s certain things that are [key], the look is set and the style is set, and then casting the directors the way we cast the actors. Like, “This is the story. This is this episode. It’s going to be a found-footage episode, so who would be the best found-footage director we can get? Oh, how about the guy who directed *Blair Witch Project*? Yeah. Okay, that makes sense.”[Chuckles] And suddenly we’re on a Zoom with Eduardo Sánchez.

Hilary Winston: Yeah, Zooming with Eduardo Sánchez and telling him our idea for the episode, and he’s giving us ideas back.

What to Expect from Goosebumps: The Vanishing

An Evolution in Storytelling and Style

David Schwimmer as Anthony looking worried

The insights shared by Letterman and Winston promise a promising future for *Goosebumps*, suggesting that *The Vanishing* will maintain the engaging tone of the first season while introducing fresh elements. The upcoming found-footage episode is especially captivating and offers a unique narrative twist. Integrating Sánchez into the project not only adds credibility but also enhances the series’ cinematic quality, potentially shaping the tone for subsequent installments.

The found-footage genre experienced a surge in popularity after *The Blair Witch Project*, and having one of its creators onboard is a significant advantage for *Goosebumps*. *The Vanishing* aims to carve out a new narrative path, ideally suited for its anthology format. While it remains uncertain how often *The Blair Witch Project* will be referenced, its influence may be substantial, particularly as the story revolves around two teenagers who uncover unsettling secrets in their father’s basement.

Our Thoughts on Goosebumps: The Vanishing

Embracing Narrative Experimentation

David Schwimmer's Anthony looking seriously at Ana Ortiz' Jen in Goosebumps The Vanishing

*Goosebumps: The Vanishing* signals a thrilling shift towards an anthology format, allowing for greater narrative experimentation and appealing to a more mature audience. With Sánchez joining as director, the series stands to enhance its horror legacy, enabling Winston and Letterman to explore new creative avenues and enrich the storytelling experience.

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