At 13, “Lizzie McGuire” was a perfect fit for the Disney Channel. Now in her 30s, a planned reboot at Disney+ isn’t a good match, says series star Hilary Duff (“Younger,” “The Haunting of Sharon Tate”).
Duff, who has enjoyed a successful career as an actor-singer-producer after her Disney years, uploaded an Instagram post noting: “I feel a huge responsibility to honor the fans’ relationship with Lizzie who, like me, grew up seeing themselves in her. I’d be doing a disservice to everyone by limiting the realities of a 30-year-old’s journey to live under the ceiling of a PG rating.”
She added: “It would be a dream if Disney would let us move the show to Hulu, if they were interested, and I could bring this beloved character to life again.”
Production of the series was halted a few weeks ago when Variety reported showrunner-creator Terri Minsky left. She is also supportive of a Hulu address.
Disney responded: “Our goal is to resume production and to tell an authentic story that connects to the millions who are emotionally invested in the character, and a new generation of viewers, too.”
At present, Disney+ is airing the original “Lizzie McGuire” series, which ran from 2001-2004.
Duff’s preference for Hulu follows similar moves by Disney+’s “Love, Simon” TV series. The show, about a gay 17-year-old, got a new name, “Love, Victor,” and a new streamer: Hulu. The sexual-alcohol elements in the series, given Disney+’s family-friendly content, were deciding factors.
Any proposed “McGuire” move is still under the Disney umbrella. Disney owns 67 percent of Hulu, which it gained in its purchase of 21st Century Fox. Comcast owns the minority stake.