Disney+ shelved a fully produced pilot for a gender-swapped reboot of the acclaimed novel Holes in December 2025, capping a year of cancellations that included Goosebumps, Extraordinary, and the Win or Lose follow-up. This decision underscores the streaming giant’s cautious approach amid rising production costs and a competitive market.
Understanding the Pilot Recession
Television networks have cut pilot orders by about one-third since 2015, shifting to direct-to-series models that cut expenses on unproven concepts. Failed pilots often cost millions with no return, prompting studios to demand proven audience potential before full commitment. Disney+’s moves reflect this industry-wide pivot, where development rooms and lean production replace traditional pilot seasons.
The Gender-Swap Dilemma
Gender-swapped reboots like the 2016 Ghostbusters and 2018 Ocean’s 8 aimed to draw diverse viewers but sparked backlash over fidelity to source material. Streaming projects sometimes succeed with inclusive casts, yet theatrical versions often underperform against budgets. Critics argue these efforts repackage familiar stories rather than innovate, fueling calls for fresh narratives beyond established properties.
Greenlighting Holes
In January 2025, Disney Branded Entertainment approved a Holes pilot based on Louis Sachar’s award-winning novel, which earned the National Book Award and Newbery Medal. The story of boys at a correctional camp, exploring friendship and justice, resonated with millennials and Gen Z through its nostalgic pull. A writers’ room and tax credits signaled strong backing for this adaptation.
Abrupt Cancellation
Eleven months later, Disney+ halted the project despite completed filming and a secured cast. Deadline reported the vague rationale: the bar for the reboot proved too high, leading to a decision not to proceed. Fans and talent expressed shock, as the service absorbed costs rather than release the pilot, hinting at deeper strategy shifts in a crowded field.
Talent and Creative Pedigree
Shay Rudolph led as Hayley, the wrongfully accused protagonist sent to Camp Yucca. Greg Kinnear played the stern Warden, while Aidy Bryant portrayed counselor Sissy with hidden motives. Jac Schaeffer, director of Marvel’s WandaVision and Agatha All Along with multiple Emmy nods, helmed the episode. Writers Alina Mankin and showrunner Liz Phang joined executive producers Drew Goddard and Sarah Esberg, forming a team that amplified expectations.
Budgetary and Market Pressures
Pilots rack up millions in talent, sets, and crew costs, intensifying scrutiny in an era of fiscal restraint. Competition from rivals forces platforms to prioritize immediate hits over risks. Holes‘ fate illustrates how financial metrics now often eclipse creative promise, even for culturally resonant IPs.
This cancellation highlights broader tensions in streaming: balancing nostalgia, innovation, and profitability while sustaining viewer trust. As platforms refine strategies, future adaptations must navigate these forces to deliver stories that engage without excessive risk, potentially reshaping how classics reach new audiences.
Sources
Deadline – “‘Holes’: Gender-Swapped Reboot Pilot Not Going Forward At Disney+”
Variety – “‘Holes’ Disney+ Pilot Sets Main Cast, Including Greg Kinnear, Aidy Bryant, Shay Rudolph”
Variety – “‘Holes’ TV Series Not Moving Forward at Disney+”
Entertainment Weekly – “Every Disney+ Show Canceled in 2025”
People Magazine – “Which Disney Plus Shows Got Canceled? See What Series Ended”
The Direct – “Disney+ Abandons One of Its Most Highly-Anticipated Shows”
Broadband TV News – “Use of pilots drops by 32% as top five US broadcasters mimic SVOD giants”
Collider – “Disney+’s ‘Holes’ Series Digs Up a Marvel Television Alum”
National Book Foundation – “Louis Sachar”
Wikipedia – “Holes (novel)”
Bored Panda – “63 Wildest TV Show Episode Cost”
Carrow Brown (Substack) – “History of Gender Swapping”
Tasteray.com – “Movie Race Swapped Comedy: 7 Truths Hollywood Won’t Tell You”
Reddit – “How does a fully filmed Disney pilot vanish? I found a 2009 Lost pilot story”
Screen Geek – “Disney Plus Cancels Highly-Anticipated Series”