Jac Schaeffer to Direct Gender-Swapped ‘Holes’ Series Pilot for Disney+

Disney+ is bringing Holes back to the screen with a fresh twist, and they’ve tapped WandaVision and Agatha All Along creator Jac Schaeffer to direct the pilot episode. This new adaptation of Louis Sachar’s beloved 1998 young adult novel will feature a gender-swapped lead, offering a new perspective on the classic tale.

The original Holes novel follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy who is wrongfully sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig holes under the scorching sun. Though the camp claims this builds character, Stanley soon realizes they’re actually searching for something buried beneath the dried-up lake. The story weaves themes of fate, friendship, and redemption, making it a favorite among readers for decades.

In this upcoming TV adaptation, the story will center on a teenage girl who, like Stanley, is sent to a harsh detention camp where the campers must dig holes under the watchful eye of a ruthless Warden.

The Holes series is being developed by a powerhouse team. Alina Mankin is penning the script, while Liz Phang will serve as the showrunner. Drew Goddard, known for his work on The Martian and Daredevil, is on board as an executive producer alongside Sarah Esberg through Goddard Textiles.

Other key names attached to the project include Andrea Massaro as co-executive producer, as well as Walden Media, Shamrock, and Mike Medavoy, who are also serving as executive producers.

Jac Schaeffer has proven to be a major creative force for Disney, having played a massive role in developing WandaVision and Agatha All Along, two of Marvel’s most acclaimed Disney+ series.

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