Disney is venturing further into the Young Adult (YA) realm with its latest series acquisition. Disney+ and Disney Channel have given the green light to "Coven Academy," a delightful blend of drama and comedy centered around a clique of budding witches in the enchanting city of New Orleans. Hailing from Disney Branded Television and penned by the creative genius behind "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," Tim Federle, this show stands out as it isn't based on any pre-existing intellectual property, a deviation from Disney's recent trend in the kids and family entertainment sphere.
"Coven Academy" is an ingenious original concept by Federle, where "a trio of teenage witches-in-training, bound by fate, embark on a mission to shield their city from perilous, ancient forces," as described in the captivating logline. "Amid unraveling shadowy mysteries, mastering unpredictable magic, and encountering devastatingly charming adversaries, they must also steer through the heartaches and profound bonds that accompany growing up." Scheduled to debut in 2026, the series promises to be a mesmerizing watch.
Starring Malina Pauli Weissman (from "A Series of Unfortunate Events"), Tiffani Thiessen, Malachi Barton ("Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires"), Louis Thresher ("Boarders"), Jordan Leftwich ("Family Switch"), and Ora Duplass, with recurring roles played by Brendon Tremblay, Swayam Bhatia, and Keegan Connor Tracy, "Coven Academy" boasts a stellar ensemble cast.
"Coven Academy" is a revolutionary format that intertwines supernatural thrills with the camaraderie, trials, and self-realization of teenage life," said Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television. "Under Tim Federle's visionary guidance, this mystical high school springs to life with a remarkable cast, continuing our tradition of crafting narratives and nurturing stars that resonate deeply with today's audience."
Federle added, "'Coven Academy' is a homage to the YA shows that shaped my youth. I'm thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind tale to life with my long-standing collaborators at Disney, led by Ayo Davis, and I eagerly await the world's introduction to our incredible cast and crew who are conjuring our world into existence."
"Coven Academy" has been in gestation for quite some time, with Disney commissioning a pilot for the series in March. It's one of numerous projects Federle has in the works at Disney, where he holds an overall deal. He's also executive producing Disney Channel's live-action comedy "Vampirina: Teenage Vampire" (based on the animated series and books by Anne Marie Pace and Leuyen Pham), directing a sequel to "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" for 20th Century Studios, and penning a stage musical adaptation of "The Greatest Showman" for Disney Theatrical Group. He is represented by CAA, Magnet Management, and Jackoway Austen.
Federle penned and helmed the "Coven Academy" pilot and will executive produce through his Chorus Boy Productions, alongside executive producers Kimberly McCullough and Bronwyn North-Reist, head of creative at Chorus Boy.
