At one point, writer Sarah Watson created a pitch for Fox, which explores the story of a teacher and her students recreating the classic The Goonies film. The network passed on the project due to it aiming for a younger audience, but the now-titled Our Time project is being given a second life at Disney+. The original production companies, The Donner Company and Amblin, of the childhood classic, are also on board. VP and Head of Development, Clancy Collins White, opened up on the series move to Disney+.
Sarah worked nonstop to deliver this incredible script, we had our table read, and then the world shut down for COVID. So we came back many months later and finished the beautiful pilot, and it was an incredible cast, but unfortunately a little bit too young for Fox. And so we immediately swung into high gear and hit the town with it.
Clancy Collins White
In the piece by Variety, we get the confirmation that the deal wasn’t struck right after Fox moved on from the project, but it seems they were inspired to ensure this project finds its audience.
We did not yet have anything in development at Disney Plus. It’s been another example of being able to carve a pathway where there wasn’t one by virtue of a great story, a great pilot, a great series. The deal has taken a while to make, but we’re really excited to be moving forward.
Clancy Collins White
Writer Sarah Watson, who created the project, shared her excitement for the project moving forward on Twitter.
The series includes The Jackal Group’s executive producers Gail Berman and Hend Baghdady. Lauren Shuler Donner and Amblin TV’s Darryl Frank, as well as Justin Falvey, have joined the production. The irony of a series inspired by the film that coined the “never say die” term would get a second life like this seems quite fitting. There have been various series lately getting a second life through streaming services and it’s a showcase how the new streaming market has helped many creators bring passion projects to life.
