Set for an exclusive release on Disney’s streaming service Disney+,The Mighty Ducksreboot series is finally moving forward. In early 2018, it had been reported a planned reboot had entered early development at ABC Signature Studios, but a lack of updates after nearly two years had left the status of the project unclear. According to a new report from Discussing Film, the series is now officially a go at Disney+ with production eyeing to begin in February in Vancouver. Those executive producing the project are Josh Goldsmith, Cathy Yuspa, George Heller, Brad Petrigala, and original writer Steven Brill.
Also revealed is a basic plot synopsis for theDisney+ series. The story will reportedly follow a 13-year-old boy who’s kicked off the junior division Mighty Ducks team, prompting his mother to start their own team by finding players, a coach, and a place to play. It’s not clear at this time if the project will be a complete reboot of the franchise or if it will feature any connections or returning characters from the original movie or its sequels. There’s also not yet any information about potential casting choices for the characters or a possible release date, but if production will begin in early 2020 as reported, we could be seeing the show by the end of next year.
Written by Steven Brill and directed by Stephen Herek, theoriginal movie version of The Mighty Duckswas released in theaters in 1992. Emilio Estevez stars in the classic youth-sports movie as Gordon Bombay, a defense attorney who takes to coaching the local Pee-Wee hockey team as a part of his court-ordered community service. In the 1994 sequelD2, Estevez reprised the role of Bombay, who is now coaching a team representing the United States in the Junior Goodwill Games. Rounding out the trilogy is the 1996 sequelD3, with Estevez reprising the role once again, though he hands over the Ducks' coaching duties to a new coach (Jeffrey Nordling). The three-part film series has since remained one of the most memorable sports movie franchises of all-time.
The development ofThe Mighty Ducksas a TV series comes about as the result ofDisneylooking to pad up their new streaming service with as much exclusive and must-see content as possible. Its launch this month alone will bring a variety of anticipated movies and shows, including theLady and the Trampremake,The Mandalorian,Forky Asks a Question,High School Musical: The Series, and so much more. Even more exciting projects are also in the works at Disney+, which includes a modern-day sequel to the Halloween classicHocus Pocuswith all three Sanderson Sisters from the original movie likely to return.
