Goosebumps Season 2 Is Already More Exciting After Its Surprisingly Big Cast Update

Goosebumps season 2 raised concerns about its anthology format, but the Disney+ show’s next batch of episodes is already more exciting after a surprisingly big cast update. Disney’s Goosebumps TV show premiered in October 2023, bringing R.L. Stine’s best-selling kids’ books back to the small screen. The series follows five teens who begin looking into the mysterious death of a teenage boy named Harold Biddle, who happens to be possessing their English teacher. Their sleuthing leads to them unearthing strange secrets from 30 years ago — and some supernatural phenomena as well.

The cast of 2023’s Goosebumps consists mostly of younger stars, but Lucifer‘s Rachael Harris and horror star Justin Long are standouts from season 1. The story Goosebumps season 1 tells is mostly concluded by the time the credits roll on the finale, but there are a few notable loose ends. That’s why it’s somewhat surprising that Goosebumps season 2 will kick off an anthology format, which the series will presumably follow for as long as its on. Disney’s anthology announcement was rightfully met with concerns, but the show’s latest casting suggests it could work if done properly.

Goosebumps Season 2’s First Cast Update Is Selling Us On The Anthology Format

Goosebumps season 2’s anthology change is frustrating, especially after viewers got attached to the characters from season 1 and became invested in the unresolved cliffhangers of the initial episodes. Anthology TV shows seem to be gaining popularity over the past decade or so, with hits like American Horror Story, True Detective, and The Haunting utilizing the format. It makes sense that Goosebumps is hoping to capitalize on this approach as well, and to its credit, the original 1990s series was also an anthology.

While concerns over Goosebumps’ seasonal story changes are still warranted, its latest casting is also raising hope for the next batch of episodes. Friends alum David Schwimmer has been cast as a lead in Goosebumps season 2. Per Deadline, Schwimmer will play a single father named Anthony who used to be a botany professor. He’s grappling with being a caretaker for an elderly parent while caring for his kids over the summer when things go sideways. That’s all fans know about Goosebumps season 2 so far, but Schwimmer’s casting is enough to spark some serious excitement.

David Schwimmer’s Casting Is Making Us Even More Excited For Season 2

Although Schwimmer’s character description and the plot of Goosebumps season 2 are currently bare bones, the Friends star’s involvement in the Disney+ series is a hopeful development. In the face of concerns over a new format, Schwimmer’s casting suggests that season 2 will be just as exciting as the first outing, even if the show never returns to Harold Biddle’s students. After all, Schwimmer’s a seasoned actor who knows how to capture a room. And his role in the Disney+ series sounds like it has the potential to weave a tale that’s as emotional and compelling as it is creepy.

Schwimmer also hasn’t done anything like Goosebumps before, though he’s lent his voice to children’s movies like Madagascar. It’ll be fun to see him stepping into a new role that combines his talent for comedy and his serious acting, all while pushing him into an entertainment category he hasn’t explored thoroughly. That alone is a reason to tune in to Goosebumps season 2, and Schwimmer could be the first of several exciting castings. Of course, if Goosebumps is following a season 1 trend, he could also be the center of the entire outing.

Goosebumps May Be Following A Trend By Casting David Schwimmer

Goosebumps season 2 may be starting a trend with its casting of Schwimmer, as the first outing also had one well-known star at its helm. Although the cast of Goosebumps season 1 contained plenty of young talent, Justin Long’s involvement in the show proved its biggest appeal. Long is well-known in Hollywood, and his background in horror made him especially qualified for 2023’s R.L. Stine adaptation. Schwimmer doesn’t have the same credentials, but he does bring a recognizable face to the series.

Goosebumps may be hoping to capitalize on that in season 2, placing Schwimmer at the front of the action while casting relative unknowns as his kids and their peers. This strategy worked well for season 1, so there’s no reason the Disney+ show wouldn’t repeat it. And considering Goosebumps‘ sophomore season is already sounding better after its latest casting announcement, maybe the creators are onto something.