Lizzie McGuire showrunner quits: What does this mean for the Disney Plus reboot?
Plans for the Lizzie McGuire reboot on Disney Plus may be changing after the exit of showrunner Terri Minsky. What does this mean for the highly-anticipated revival?
Fans of Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire series were thrilled to learn last year that a reboot starring Hilary Duff is coming to Disney Plus. However, the creative direction may be changing after the original showrunner exited this week. Variety first broke the news that Terri Minsky stepped down after two episodes were filmed.
A Disney spokesperson stated, “Fans have a sentimental attachment to Lizzie McGuire and high expectations for a new series. After filming two episodes, we concluded that we need to move in a different creative direction and are putting a new lens on the show.” Does this mean the premise for the reboot is shifting in a major way?
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The reboot is supposed to follow Hilary Duff as Lizzie MacGuire once again, but now as a 30-year-old engaged interior decorator navigating life as a grown-up in New York City. The original series, which aired from 2001-04, was focused on Lizzie navigating life as a teenager in middle school. With Lizzie all grown up now, it would make sense that the reboot would be geared toward the original millennial audience.
One has to wonder if the revival tried too hard to be a teen show again. It was clear to see that Disney Plus’ High School Musical: The Musical: The Series felt geared more toward newer, younger audiences than those who grew up watching the film franchise. That particular direction may have only worked for HSMTMTS, though. Aside from a couple of cameos, none of the original cast members came back in a full-time role like what’s expected in Lizzie McGuire.
We already know that original characters such as Gordo (Adam Lamberg) and Jo, Sam and Matt McGuire will appear in the rebooted series. Rather than solely focusing on introducing a new audience into Lizzie’s world, let Lizzie welcome back those who need her guidance once again.
Disney Plus should take a risk and go all the way with Lizzie McGuire as an adult-focused show. I’m not sure the in-between range worked well for High School Musical, and it would be unfortunate if this reboot failed to live up to expectations. Use nostalgia as an advantage, but let’s move forward. One can only hope that the new showrunner brings this mentality to help Disney Plus realize ‘this is what dreams are made of.’
Next. How the Lizzie McGuire reboot will be different from Hilary Duff’s role on Younger. dark
What do you hope to see in the Lizzie McGuire reboot? Which characters are you looking forward to seeing again? Sound off below!
The Lizzie McGuire reboot is expected to stream on Disney Plus later this year.