The ambitious new pilot, 'Spaceship Earth,' promises to transport viewers on a thrilling journey, drawing its inspiration directly from the beloved EPCOT attraction at Walt Disney World. While specific character details for Laga’aia and Phillippe remain under wraps, the premise outlines a high-stakes narrative: a global cataclysm looms, and a desperate mission to avert disaster goes awry. This forces a diverse group of teenagers, hailing from different points in Earth’s past and future, to unite and confront a threat as vast and enigmatic as time itself.
The project boasts a strong creative team behind the scenes. Jason Fuchs, whose recent work includes 'IT: Welcome to Derry,' and Michael Waldron, acclaimed for his contributions to Marvel’s 'Loki,' penned the pilot script. Fuchs will also serve as the showrunner and executive producer through his Five Ten Productions banner. Waldron joins him as an executive producer, alongside Lee Toland Krieger, who is directing the pilot, and fellow executive producers Adam Fishbach of Fishbach Productions and Adam Fasullo of Anomaly Pictures. The series is being produced by 20th Television.
Catherine Laga’aia arrives on this project with significant momentum. She recently secured the titular role in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action 'Moana,' a part she landed after an extensive worldwide casting search. The animated 'Moana' has already proven a massive success, grossing over $323 million worldwide this summer. Laga’aia’s previous credits include co-starring in Prime Video’s limited series 'The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart,' and she is set to lead the upcoming thriller 'Crashout' from filmmaker Nick Annas.
Deacon Phillippe, also a rising talent, is currently in production for 'Better Than the Movies,' a Netflix romantic comedy based on Lynn Painter’s bestselling young adult novel. He previously wrapped his first leading role in 'Brother Save Us,' an independent drama directed by Jesse Behrenwald. Phillippe is also slated to appear in Frankie Shaw’s Miramax film '4 Kids Walk Into a Bank.'
This casting news signals Disney+’s continued investment in high-concept, family-friendly programming, leveraging both established intellectual property and emerging talent to bring new stories to its subscribers.