‘Magic Tree House’ Animated Series Officially In Development
For over three decades, the adventures of Jack and Annie have captivated young readers around the globe. Now, the beloved Magic Tree House book series is set to transport audiences in a new way. It has been officially announced that an animated series adaptation is in the works through a partnership between tech-based entertainment company Spuree and production company Rideback.
The best-selling franchise, written by Mary Pope Osborne, has sold over 194 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 39 languages. This new project marks a significant step for the property, promising to bring the magical, time-traveling journeys to digital and streaming platforms with the author herself deeply involved in the creative process.
Mary Pope Osborne Retains Creative Control Over ‘Magic Tree House’
One of the most notable aspects of this announcement is the level of involvement from the original creator. Mary Pope Osborne will serve as an executive producer and retains full standing as a creative partner. For Osborne, this partnership represents the fulfillment of a long-held goal to adapt her work while maintaining the integrity of the original stories.
“For many years, I’ve been looking for the right opportunity to adapt my books into a series for the screen in a way that would allow me a real seat at the table,” Osborne stated. She expressed excitement about finally bringing her “handpicked creative team” along to realize the vision.
That creative team is a family affair and a reunion of long-time collaborators. Osborne will executive produce alongside her husband and partner, Will Osborne. The series will feature original scripts penned by Will Osborne and Jenny Laird, with original music composed by Randy Courts, who has previously scored eight musical adaptations of the books.
A New Approach with Spuree and Rideback
The series is being developed by Spuree, a company backed by major venture funds, in collaboration with Rideback, the production company known for hits like The LEGO Movie and the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Spuree utilizes a proprietary “ethical, AI-enabled 3D platform” designed to accelerate the artistic process while ensuring artists and rights holders maintain control. Michael LoFaso, co-founder of Spuree, described the Magic Tree House universe as a “perfect match” for their vision, emphasizing that the technology allows for a workflow where the legacy of the series is honored.
Educational Focus and Global Reach
True to the spirit of the books, the animated series aims to be more than just entertainment. The project will include a robust educational outreach program designed to connect with parent, teacher, and librarian networks. This focus ensures that the educational value that has made the books a staple in classrooms remains a core pillar of the screen adaptation.
Given the massive international footprint of the books, the production team is planning for global distribution and localization. By leveraging Osborne’s existing reach in dozens of territories, the series aims to introduce the magic of the tree house to a new generation of children worldwide. While a release date has not yet been set, the collaboration promises to deliver an authentic and innovative adaptation of one of children’s literature’s most enduring franchises.
