Disney+ is developing a scripted series that will focus on iconic Disney villains, Variety has learned from sources.
The series is currently titled “Book of Enchantments” and will be based on the “Villains” book series penned by Serena Valentino. It will tell the origin stories of Disney characters like Ursula from “The Little Mermaid,” The Beast from “Beauty and the Beast,” Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty,” and the Wicked Queen from “Snow White.” Michael Seitzman will write and produce the series under his Maniac Productions banner. ABC Signature Studios will produce.
Disney+ and ABC declined to comment.
Seitzman previously created the CBS medical drama “Code Black” and worked on the ABC series “Quantico.” He is also set to oversee the multi-series John Grisham universe currently in the works at Hulu, which will be comprised of the dramas “The Rainmaker” and “Rogue Lawyer.” Jason Richman is also onboard to write and executive produce the Grisham projects along with Seitzman.
Seitzman is repped by WME.
News of the series development comes after the drama series “Once Upon a Time” wrapped up its seven-season run on ABC last May. That series took place in the fictional town of Storybrooke, Maine, in which the residents were all characters from various fairy tales and Disney stories, including Snow White and Pinocchio.
There is no official launch date yet for Disney+, but it is expected to launch in late 2019. Shows already ordered at the service include the “Star Wars” live-action shows “The Mandalorian” and an untitled “Rogue One” prequel, a “High School Musical” series, and a “High Fidelity” series. Disney+ is also developing multiple limited series based on characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Most recently, the streamer ordered the series “Diary of a Female President” with Gina Rodriguez on board to executive produce.