Per Variety, the mysterious world of Camp Green Lake is coming back to screens – this time with a groundbreaking twist. Disney+ has ordered a pilot for a reimagined “Holes” series that transforms the beloved story through a female lens.
The new adaptation will follow a teenage girl forced to dig holes under the scorching sun at a detention camp, where a ruthless Warden harbors dark secrets. This fresh take on Louis Sachar’s award-winning 1998 novel marks a bold departure from both the original book and the hit 2003 film, which starred a young Shia LaBeouf.
For those who grew up with the story, “Holes” masterfully weaves together cursed family histories, hidden treasures, and the power of friendship in a tale that has captivated millions of readers. The original novel, which claimed both the prestigious National Book Award and Newbery Medal, follows Stanley Yelnats, an unlucky boy wrongfully sent to a juvenile detention camp where inmates mysteriously dig holes day after day in a dried-up lake bed.
The creative team behind this reimagining brings serious storytelling firepower. Showrunner Liz Phang’s credits include the critically acclaimed “Yellowjackets” and “The Haunting of Hill House,” while writer Alina Mankin has worked on beloved series like “Anne with an E” and “The Mindy Project.” Executive producer Drew Goddard revealed a personal connection to the project – his mother, a schoolteacher, first spotted the book’s potential in the late ’90s before it became a phenomenon.
“They’ve done a wonderful job capturing Louis Sachar’s unique spirit,” Goddard teased. “To say much more about what they have in store would spoil all the fun.”
The announcement follows decades of success for the “Holes” franchise. Beyond the original novel’s millions in sales, the 2003 film adaptation became a box office hit, grossing $71 million worldwide. Sachar has expanded the universe through companion books, including “Stanley Yelnats’ Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake” and the spinoff “Small Steps.”
This marks the latest attempt to bring “Holes” back to screens, with Walden Media – which produced the original film – having long pursued a series adaptation. The project will be produced by 20th Television, with Walden Media returning to produce alongside a team of veteran executive producers.
The rewrite prioritizes the most newsworthy and intriguing elements (female-led reimagining, acclaimed creative team, personal connection) while building narrative tension. It provides context about the franchise’s success and cultural impact, making the story more accessible to readers unfamiliar with “Holes” while offering fresh details to excite existing fans.
