What does it mean to be human? In this day and age, it means seeing all your favorite media properties get the Riverdale treatment, apparently. Next up: Casper.

Yup, everyone’s favorite Friendly Ghost will appear in a brand-new incarnation. Set in high school, the live-action series will reimagine the origin of Casper in “a coming-of-age story that explores what it means to be alive.” When a new family arrives in the small town of Eternal Falls, Casper finds himself entangled in a mystery uncovering dark secrets that have been buried for over 100 years.

The horror/adventure series is currently in development at Peacock. Deadline describes the show as tonally similar to the CW’s Riverdale, a darker interpretation of the Archie comics. The show comes from writer/executive producer Kai Yu Wu (The Ghost Bride).

Casper first appeared in a series of animated movies released in the 1940s and 50s. Later, Harvey Comics acquired the rights to the character, leading to numerous comic adventures and several animated TV shows for the friendly ghost. 

In 1995, Universal Pictures released a live-action Casper feature film. Malachi Pearson voiced the title character. Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman also starred in the film.

The new live-action Casper series will feature CGI effects.

Wu’s credits include The CW’s The Flash and NBC’s Hannibal. She also serves as co-executive producer on the upcoming Disney+ series, American Born Chinese.

So, what do you think about Peacock’s plan for a live-action Casper series? My gut reaction to hearing about this was equal parts “Why” and “Please, no.” I simply don’t think we need any more soapy gritty teen remakes. But hey, I can’t speak for the people. Will you check out a Casper series in the vein of Riverdale? Let me know in the comments below.

Source: Deadline

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