The Vanishing, officially the second season of the "Goosebumps" series is a brand new story which features a fresh set of characters, settings, and scary moments. This continues to bring the world of R.L. Stine's books to life. This was released in its entirety January 10, 2025 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Shift to Anthology Format
After being known as a serialized adaptation "Goosebumps" season 2 made an unpredicted move by announcing the show as an anthology. The first season which had seemingly set up a story to continue with cliffhangers will be left open. This was an attempt to be new with an established series. Each season will now have it’s own focus. The prior formula had many young teens with their parents while taking on monsters in each show which is what now viewers will expect.
Season 2: The Vanishing
The Vanishing will bring viewers to NYC following the lives of new teens and challenges as well. There are a few notable things including that the series features an entire found footage episode. Also this season touches on new themes of parental struggles and explores a unique location for its horror elements.
New Location and Story Elements
The new location includes Queens and has a focus of twin siblings navigating high school issues when an event follows them home from an abandoned fort in which it also ends up in their father’s basement. This includes a blend of coming of age drama, love triangles and supernatural elements from several Goosebumps titles.
New Cast and Performances
Season two of "Goosebumps" welcomes fresh faces along with established actors. Both David Schwimmer and Ana Ortiz will be playing prominent roles in this new season alongside actors Sam McCarthy, Jayden Bartels, and many others.
David Schwimmer as a Lead
David Schwimmer who is very well known for his comedic roles will shift to a character known as a botanist, the father of the two lead roles who is described as being a little creepy which allows for new and unexpected takes. He will also demonstrate an effort to be involved as he is a key figure in how the story unravels throughout the season.
Young Leads
Sam McCarthy and Jayden Bartels portray the twin characters as well as Stony Blyden, Francesca Noel, Galilea La Salvia and Elijah Cooper as their friends all taking on new experiences of horror. This also demonstrates that there are new sides of the show with up and coming performers with new potential.
Inspiration from R.L. Stine Novels
The storyline will have inspiration pulled from five novels including "Stay out of the Basement". There will also be several references to the familiar book elements in a setting which has now taken a modern approach with it's unique visual delivery. There are aspects that will resonate to old and new audiences. R.L. Stine also stated his enjoyment of this new approach from show developers.
Themes of the New Series
The newest season will be tackling issues around parental guidance and support. Similar to before they will explore coming-of-age stories that blend both realistic life struggles while making these issues relatable to both adults and teens while showcasing all unique emotions as viewers begin the show. This focus on relatable themes for its targeted audience continues to be something of note throughout the new storyline.
Emphasis on Balance
In season two a balance is kept with both comedy and scary content in the episodes with an expansion into found footage to demonstrate an exploration into the different ways a horror series can be approached. The goal is to take some parts to the most extreme while keeping balance to ensure engagement with different elements for all who have chosen to watch. All aspects also make it more mature while retaining aspects that were part of the initial series which is designed to give fans a nod to familiarity.
Director Insight and Inspiration
Rob Letterman wanted a balance between something familiar to the viewers while still adding their take on their art. It had to be made in such a way that was both different from previous formats yet true to it’s origins and inspiration while also showcasing growth. The main focus has also gone towards adding characters with which the audience may relate while also having elements that pay respect to the original author.
New Methods of Visual Delivery
Season two will have a style which uses innovative ways to bring viewers closer to their terror. They are adding both newer and older elements to create a feeling both new yet familiar to its viewers with the addition of working with The Blair Witch Project Director who gave insights for the found footage episode to ensure authentic visual appeal. Also CGI effects came together for seamless and immersive creature portrayals within the series.
R.L. Stine's Take
R.L. Stine mentioned he was "shocked" as many locations take place in the suburbs but his superstitions about new locations and what has been done in Brooklyn did allow for him to be impressed with their visual execution. He also gave recognition for those parts he felt elevated in season 2 from writing and performances and direction to showcase why the show is a success.
Key Takeaways
- Goosebumps Season 2 is an anthology with an entirely new cast and storyline located in NYC.
- This seasons story highlights an abandoned research facility and includes influence of many notable goosebumps stories.
- David Schwimmer serves as a main lead character as well as other talents that continue to bring together unique content for the series.
- Season two takes on deeper themes for relatable issues all while also having elements that elevate unique parts from each performance for the show.
- Found footage and exploration into horror sub genres is a highlighted piece of information which changes the show from it's original delivery while still showcasing familiarity with its viewers.