Disney+ has give fans a first look at Just Beyond, a new 8-episode anthology series based on the worlds of the legendary R. L. Stine.
The series tells astonishing and thought-provoking stories of a reality just beyond the one we know. Each episode introduces viewers to a new cast of characters who must go on a surprising journey of self-discovery in a supernatural world of witches, aliens, ghosts and parallel universes.
Stories in these first eight episodes include:
Leave Them Kids Alone
When 14-year-old activist Veronica Vanderhall is suspended from school, her parents send her to Miss Genevieve’s School for Difficult Girls, which claims to have an impeccable record for rehabilitating complicated girls with a “streak.” Miss Genevieve and her students appear to be the picture of perfection, with impeccable manners and identical, immovable hairdos. However, Veronica soon discovers that those impeccable manners mask a dark secret, and hatches a plan to help the girls regain their voices.
Parents Are From Mars, Kids Are From Venus
Jack and Ronald, 14-year-old best friends, swear their parents get weirder every day. But their embarrassment turns to shock when boys stumble into the adults’ game night and discover their parents dressed in ornate robes, chanting and levitating objects. Are they witches? In a cult? They seek help from the owner of a local curiosities shop, who suspects their parents are aliens. As the families hit the road for a shared trip to a remote lake house, Jack and Ronald fear for their lives.
Which Witch
As the only witch at her high school, Fiona has learned that the safest way to navigate her teen years is to blend in. She’s over the moon that her secret crush, Emilio, has asked her to the homecoming dance. Then, her parents drop a bomb. Cousin Luna — who Fiona loves but considers “fresh off the broomstick” — is arriving from England and attending Fiona’s school. Unlike Fiona, Luna is proud of being a witch and eager to show off her magical abilities. Fiona must decide if she’ll continue to hide … or let them see the witch.
My Monster
Outwardly, Olivia appears to be handling her parents’ recent divorce quite well; but inside, she’s anxious and overwhelmed. It doesn’t help that her family’s new place, her mother’s childhood home, has squeaky floorboards, flickering lights and a seriously creepy vibe. Olivia’s fears are validated when she comes face-to- face with a masked, hulking humanoid who quickly vanishes. When the heart- pounding hauntings continue, Olivia and her neighbor Graham set out to solve the mystery of the masked monster.
Unfiltered
Lily Renton, the smart yet plain star of her high school’s Quiz Bowl team, often compares herself to celebrities and admires the popular girls at school. Just once, she wishes someone would think of her as beautiful, rather than smart. Her wish comes true when a substitute teacher introduces Lily to an invite-only beauty app that magically transforms her appearance. But all choices have consequences and Lily must decide, once and for all, if she truly values outer beauty over inner beauty.
We’ve Got Spirits, Yes We Do
Fourteen-year old Ella should be excited about her class field trip to the legendary Fox Theatre. Unfortunately, her ex-best friend, Zoe, is also going. At the theatre, a tour guide tells the tale of a 1938 fire that claimed the lives of an acting troupe in rehearsal. Legend has it, the dead thespians are looking to pluck the living and drag them into their phantasmal acting troupe. When personal with Zoe sends her running off, Ella finds herself trapped in the theater after dark, and in the middle of a ghostly drama.
Standing Up for Yourself
The idyllic town of Larkinville is tormented by 13-year-old Trevor Larkin, a bully with a menacing scar and massive build. Trevor is particularly pumped when a new student, aka an ideal target, arrives to school. Fourteen-year-old Evan Burger wears glasses, hand-me-down clothing and a prosthetic leg that makes him walk with a slight limp. But appearances can be deceiving and when Evan stands up for himself, Trevor’s actions will change his life — and Larkinville — forever.
The Treehouse
It’s been nearly a year since Sam’s dad passed away, and after saving up his money, Sam just became the proud owner of his late father’s favorite comic in mint condition. That is, until the neighborhood bully snatches it and tosses it in a puddle. Wrecked, Sam retreats to the treehouse he and his father built; but lightning from a fast-moving storm cracks a branch and sends him tumbling to the ground. He awakens in an alternate universe, where strange yet familiar encounters ultimately lead him to an excruciating choice.
Take a look at the brand new stills below:
The 8-episode series is executive produced by Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg, Aaron Schmidt, David Walpert, Marc Webb, Ross Richie, Stephen Christy and Mark Ambrose. Stine acts as co-executive producer on the series.
Just Beyond premieres on Disney+ from October 13, 202.
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