Disney+ is reviving classic properties on their streaming service. The story in the beloved cult classic, The Sandlot, will continue. There are already two direct-to-DVD sequels, but it’s the original 1993 movie that remains beloved and quoted.
Disney isn’t remaking the original. It’s The Sandlot television series, not a remake or a reboot. The original movie’s director and co-writer, David Mickey Evans, is writing and executive producing the series. The series is in early days of development. It’s the second Fox property that’s getting the Disney+ treatment following a Love, Simon series, which was moved to Hulu.
Original cast members and characters are returning. The series takes place in 1984. The kids from the original are now adults with children of their own. The original cast is returning, including Mike Vitar (Benjamin “Benny” Franklin Rodriguez), Patrick Renna (Hamilton “Ham” Porter), Chauncey Leopardi (Michael “Squints” Palledorous), Victor DiMattia (Timmy Timmons), Marty York (Alan “Yeah-Yeah” McClennan), Shane Obedzinski (Tommy “Repeat” Timmons), Grant Gelt (Bertram Grover Weeks), and Brandon Quintin Adams (Kenny DeNunez) all back again.
The Sandlot television series isn’t alone in development. Evans is working on a prequel film, too. The prequel was in the works before Disney even acquired 20th Century Fox. It’s unclear if that movie is still potentially happening, but it involves The Beast, the famously feared but ultimately loveable dog that takes ownership of a baseball signed by Babe Ruth in the original.
Disney has already ordered two seasons of the show. “I just sold The Sandlot television show,” Evans said. “We’re about to get an order for the first two seasons. I can’t tell you who is going to stream it, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out right now. It takes place in 1984 when they’re all like 33-years-old and they all have children of their own. And that’s all I can tell you.”
As for the prequel, the script has long been completed. “I just finished the script for ‘The Sandlot’ prequel that takes place in 1950,” the director added. “It’s the story of how the legend of the beast was born. It’s just about ready to turn in and we’ve got a great producer, Jeremy Latcham. We got a really good little team going and we have high hopes for this. I’m really pleased with the way it’s come out.”
The last Sandlot sequel came out in 2005. Kids more than likely enjoyed the sequels, but most kids who grew up with the original don’t have much to say about the sequels. The original, for many, has stood the test of time. It’s an entertaining sports film with heart and good laughs, plus a fantastic appearance from James Earl Jones.
Parents now introduce their own kids to The Sandlot. Good, kind-hearted laughs always age well. Almost 30 years later, the sports classic endures. It has several lines and moments that remain quoted and remembered. People have nostalgia for The Sandlot, but that’s not why people still fondly remember the film. It’s just an immensely likable comedy. With The Sandlot television series, hopefully, Disney+ captures some of the original movie’s magic. The streaming service doesn’t have a release date yet for the series, but stay tuned.
