The highly anticipated ‘Lizzie McGuire’ reboot faced a major setback, and now, one of its writers is shedding light on the adult themes that led to its cancellation. Jonathan Hurwitz, a writer for the show, took to TikTok to reveal the controversial plot points that ultimately got the reboot axed by Disney.
Key Takeaway
The ‘Lizzie McGuire’ reboot faced cancellation due to the inclusion of adult-themed storylines that deviated from Disney’s family-friendly image, ultimately leading to creative differences and the discontinuation of the highly anticipated series.
The Unveiling of Adult Storylines
Hurwitz disclosed that the reboot aimed to portray Lizzie McGuire as a 30-year-old woman engaging in mature activities, straying far from the original show’s G-rated content. The proposed storyline depicted Lizzie living in New York City, working as an interior designer, and romantically involved with a chef who cheats on her with her best friend.
Furthermore, the script outlined Lizzie’s return to California to live with her parents, where she would reconnect with Gordo, who shockingly reveals that he is engaged and expecting a child. These adult themes deviated significantly from the wholesome image associated with the beloved character.
Controversial Plot Points
The contentious script also included a scene where Lizzie receives a text from her high school crush, Ethan, leading to a scenario that did not align with Disney’s family-friendly standards. Hurwitz mentioned that the network particularly objected to a situation involving Lizzie waking up in Ethan’s bed, despite the absence of explicit content.
Despite two episodes being filmed, Disney+ halted production due to irreconcilable creative disparities between the streaming platform and lead actress Hilary Duff. Duff, who expressed her desire for an authentic portrayal of adult Lizzie, announced the cancellation in January 2020, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the character’s evolution.
