Disney has reportedly paused its long-awaited adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s 2008 YA novel The Graveyard Book, IndieWire reports. While no official statement has been made by the studio, sources suggest the decision may be linked to sexual misconduct allegations against Gaiman that surfaced over the summer. The author is facing accusations from five women, and insiders speculate that Disney is hesitant to move forward with his name prominently associated with the project.
According to Deadline, the allegations were not the sole factor in shelving the adaptation, but they likely sealed the fate of a project that has already been in development limbo for over a decade. The film, which won the Newbery Award shortly after its release, has seen several prominent directors attached over the years, including Coraline‘s Henry Selick and Ron Howard. In 2022, Christopher Robin director Marc Forster was reportedly set to helm the project, but since then, no further progress has been reported, including any casting announcements. Despite years of anticipation, no actors have been linked to key roles in the adaptation, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding its future.
This news comes shortly after Netflix canceled another Gaiman-related project, Dead Boy Detectives, after just one season. While there has been no official word on whether the misconduct allegations influenced that decision, it adds to a string of setbacks for Gaiman’s adaptations. Meanwhile, his flagship series, The Sandman, remains on track for a second season, though it is not expected to air until 2025.