The upcoming adaptation of The Babysitter, a series originally published between 1989 and 1995, will be helmed by director Trevor Calverley. The screenplay is being penned by Jem Garrard, known for her work as writer and director on Pumpkinhead, another R.L. Stine adaptation for Tubi, and the recently announced 'Afraid of Clowns' film. Garrard's continued involvement signals a growing creative synergy within Tubi's Stine-verse.
Fans of Stine's signature blend of suspense and young adult drama will find familiar themes in The Babysitter. The story centers on 16-year-old Jenny, who takes on a babysitting job out of financial necessity to fund a prestigious writing program. Her decision is complicated by a prowler terrorizing girls in her town. As the plot thickens, Jenny begins receiving threatening phone calls, and a dangerous fugitive surfaces, leading her to suspect everyone around her as the danger escalates.
This project underscores Tubi's commitment to bringing R.L. Stine's works to a new generation of viewers, building on the success of previous collaborations. Last year, Tubi released Pumpkinhead, which was followed by a sequel that premiered just recently. The streamer also previously announced an adaptation of Stine's short story 'Afraid of Clowns' from his 1999 collection Nightmare Hour, also scheduled for a 2027 release. This means 2027 is shaping up to be a big year for Stine fans on Tubi, with at least two major adaptations hitting the platform.
The production for The Babysitter is being handled by Blue Ice. The executive producer team includes Lance Samuels, Joan Waricha, Jane Stine (R.L. Stine's wife, a frequent collaborator on his projects), and Jem Garrard. Producers on the film are Dan Bernard, Yvonne Bernard, Tebogo Maila, Darren Cameron, and Adam Friedlander. The consistent involvement of key creative and production figures across Tubi's Stine adaptations suggests a cohesive vision for these beloved horror stories.