‘Lizzie McGuire’ Creator Steps Down As Showrunner On Disney+ Revival

Lizzie McGuire will indeed be back soon. However, original creator Terry Minski won’t be there along with it. Minsky is stepping down from her role as showrunner for the upcoming revival on Disney+.

According to Variety, Disney has decided to go on a different path for the new series. “Fans have a sentimental attachment to Lizzie McGuire and high expectations for a new series,” said a Disney spokesperson to Variety. “After filming two episodes, we concluded that we need to move in a different creative direction and are putting a new lens on the show.”

With Minsky’s exit, production has been put on hiatus as Disney searches for Minsky’s successor. Despite stepping away from Lizzie McGuire, however, Minsky’s overall deal with Disney channel stays put according to Deadline with more projects in line under the deal.

Minsky created the original series that ran for two seasons from 2001 to 2004 on Disney channel. It starred a titular 13year old trying to navigate middle school. In its run, it became Disney Channel’s highest-rated series. And the sitcom also launched Hillary Duff into teen idol status and helped her become a triple-platinum music artist. After its finale, the series spawned its own feature film The Lizzie McGuire Movie also starring Duff. This went on to successfully earn $55 million at the global box office and music releases from a $17 million budget.

The new Lizzie McGuire series is set to pick up as Duff’s character turns 30. And from navigating middle school, the show will focus on her navigating the struggles of adulthood. According to the official logline, “She seemingly has it all – her dream job as an assistant to a fancy New York City Interior Designer, her dream guy, and a picturesque Brooklyn apartment – but things aren’t always as they seem. With a little help from her old friends and some new ones to come, her well-meaning family and her 13-year-old alter-ego in animated form, Lizzie navigates the ups and downs of adulthood.”

The show began production in November 2019 and is set to air this 2020. In addition to Duff, returning cast members include Adam Lamberg, Hallie Todd, Robert Carradine, and Jake Thomas.

The news was first reported by Variety.