Witch Mountain (franchise)

Last updated

Witch Mountain
Witch Mountain - official franchise logo.jpg
Official franchise logo, as released in 2009.
Based on Escape to Witch Mountain
by Alexander Key
Distributed by The Walt Disney Company
Release date
1975–present
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office>$106,387,141
(3 films) [a]

The Witch Mountain franchise consists of American science fiction fantasy-action adventure films, produced by The Walt Disney Company. [1] [2] [3] Based on the 1968 novel Escape to Witch Mountain by Alexander Key, the films deal with extraterrestrial children on Earth seeking to return to their home planet, while antagonists attempt to foil their escape. The franchise includes both theatrical and made-for-television releases.

Contents

A reboot television series starring Bryce Dallas Howard is in development, to be released exclusively streaming on Disney+.

Origin

Novels

The Walt Disney Company's Witch Mountain franchise is based on the 1968 science fiction novel Escape to Witch Mountain , written by Alexander Key. The events of the story follow two teenage orphans named Tony and Tia, who have paranormal abilities. The pair, who have little recollection of their past, are placed into a juvenile detention home by social services. After being released to a man self-described to be their "uncle", they discover his nefarious plans in using them for personal gain. Over the events of the book, the two remember their true nature as extraterrestrial life who came to Earth, when their home-planet was being destroyed. The duo escape with the remainder of their people, who call themselves "Castaways". [4] [5]

A sequel novel titled Return from Witch Mountain was released in 1978 by the Walt Disney Studios, to coincide with the release of their feature film of the same title. Key penned the novelization, based on the screenplay by Malcolm Marmorstein. It had originally been published in 1978 by the Westminster Press in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [6]

Development

The Walt Disney Company released a 1975 feature film adaptation that was mostly faithful to the source material. The film was one of the studio's most successful live-action films at the time. [7] Following the positive response to the film, the franchise continued with later installments.

Films

FilmU.S. release dateDirectorScreenwriter(s)Story byProducer(s)
Escape to Witch Mountain March 21, 1975 John Hough Robert M. Young Ron Miller and Jerome Courtland
Return from Witch Mountain March 10, 1978 Malcolm Marmorstein
Beyond Witch Mountain February 20, 1982 Robert Day Robert M. Young
and B.W. Sandefur & Hal Kanter
Robert Malcolm YoungJan Williams
Escape to Witch Mountain April 29, 1995Peter RaderRobert M. Young & Peter RaderRobert Malcom YoungJoan Van Horn
Race to Witch Mountain March 13, 2009 Andy Fickman Matt Lopez & Mark Bomback Matt Lopez Andrew Gunn

Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)

Two teenage orphaned siblings, Tony and Tia Malone, secretly possess psychic powers. When those abilities attract attention from a villainous billionaire named Aristotle Bolt, the pair find themselves on the run. Bolt kidnaps them with plans to exploit their powers for his personal financial gain. Tony and Tia escape his containment, and with the help of a bitter widower named Jason O'Day they avoid Bolt's nefarious plans, and discover their other worldly origins. [8]

Return from Witch Mountain (1978)

After previously escaping the greedy and scheming humans of Earth, Tony and Tia return for a vacation. While on their Earth-bound getaway, the pair attract the attention of another treacherous man. Doctor Gannon, and his henchwoman named Letha, see the pair's abilities as an avenue in attaining riches. The villainous duo kidnap Tony, and use his power to sway Tia. She follows and pursues them, with a plan to free her brother. [9]

Beyond Witch Mountain (1982)

A third installment was released exclusively through television broadcast in the early-1980s, beginning a decade-long trend of made-for-television sequels to, and remakes of, classic Walt Disney productions. [10]

When reports of a boy's inexplicable abilities arise, Tony and Tia return to Earth. Knowing that the young boy must be from their world, the pair are sent to find the child. In their task, they are joined by Jason O'Day, their old friend. Together they race to find the boy, before a familiar nemesis (Aristotle Bolt) does. [11]

Escape to Witch Mountain (1995)

Disney produced a remake of Escape to Witch Mountain for broadcast on The Magical World of Disney in 1995. [12] [13] Marketed as a remake of the original 1975 film, the story shares commonalities with the previous adaptation.

A pair of twin humanoid-alien babies are found near a mysterious mountain. Unintentionally separated, they grow in age unknowingly within the same town. Without knowledge of the other's existence, the pair eventually meet and learn that they both possess supernatural abilities. Upon discovering each other, a questionable local businessman decides to use the teenagers powers to make himself rich. On the run from these nefarious plans and with the support of other-worldly alliances, only the strange place known as Witch Mountain can save them. [14] [15]

Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

A remake or reboot, the film was released in theaters in 2009 and revived the franchise. [16] [17]

The plot tells the events surrounding a pair of extraterrestrial teenagers named Sara and Seth who have paranormal abilities, are in search of a way back to their home-planet, and drag a Las Vegas taxi driver named Jack Bruno into their adventures. Before an invasion from other worlds comes to Earth, the teens must find the location of their spaceship, which is buried within Witch Mountain. Bruno finds himself aiding the youth while evading government operatives and an alien bounty hunter/assassin who are fast on their trail. [18]

Television

In April 2019, a television series in the franchise was announced to be in development as a streaming exclusive release for Disney+. [19] [20] [21]

By March 2021, the series had been green-lit for a pilot. The series is co-written by Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett, while John Davis and John Fox are serving as producers. The series is a joint-venture production between Disney Platform Distribution and Davis Entertainment. [22] Simply titled Witch Mountain, it is a reimagining of the original film. With the premise based on the first film, the cast was announced with Bryce Dallas Howard, Isabel Gravitt, Levi Miller, Bianca Norwood, and Jackson Kelly. [23]

Main cast and characters

List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.

CharacterFilmTelevision
Escape to
Witch Mountain
Return from
Witch Mountain
Beyond
Witch Mountain
Escape to
Witch Mountain
Race to
Witch Mountain
Witch Mountain
Tina "Tia" Malone Kim Richards
Kyle Richards Y
Kim Richards Tracey Gold  Kim RichardsIsabel Gravitt
Anthony "Tony" Malone Ike Eisenmann Andy Freeman Ike Eisenmann 
Jason O'Day Eddie Albert  Eddie Albert 
Uncle Bené Denver Pyle Noah Beery Jr.  
Anna Bolt  Elisabeth Moss
Jennifer & Marissa Bullock Y
 
Danny Bolt  Erik von Detten
Nikki & Sammi Allen Y
 
Waldo Fudd  Vincent Schiavelli  
Luthor  Brad Dourif  
Bruno  
Edward Bolt  Robert Vaughn  
Sara  AnnaSophia Robb  
Seth  Alexander Ludwig  
Jack Bruno  Dwayne Johnson  
Dr. Alex Friedman  Carla Gugino  
Henry Burke  Ciarán Hinds  
Audrey  Bryce Dallas Howard
Ben  Levi Miller
Corey Bianca "b" Norwood
Peter Jackson Kelly

Additional crew and production details

FilmCrew/Detail
ComposerCinematographerEditorProduction
companies
Distributing
company
Running time
Escape to Witch Mountain Johnny Mandel Frank V. Phillips Robert Stafford Walt Disney Productions Buena Vista Distribution Company 1hr 37mins
Return from Witch Mountain Lalo Schifrin Bob Bring1hr 35mins
Beyond Witch Mountain George Duning Jack A. Whitman Jr.Gordon D. Brenner Disney–ABC Domestic Television,
Columbia Broadcasting System
47mins
Escape to Witch Mountain Richard MarvinRuss T. AlsobrookDuane Hartzell Buena Vista Television,
Walt Disney Television,
ABC Family Movie
Disney–ABC Domestic Television,
American Broadcasting Company
1hr 27mins
Race to Witch Mountain Trevor Rabin Greg Gardiner David Rennie Walt Disney Pictures,
Gunn Films,
Sandman Studios
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures 1hr 38mins
Witch Mountain TBATBATBA Davis Entertainment,
Disney Branded Television,
ABC Signature Studios,
Disney+ Original Films
Disney+ TBA

Reception

Box office and financial performance

FilmBox office grossBox office rankingVideo
sales gross
BudgetWorldwide
Total income
Ref.
North AmericaOther territoriesWorldwideAll time
North America
All time
worldwide
North America
Escape to Witch Mountain $20,000,000$20,000,000information unavailableinformation unavailable$8,500,000information unavailable$28,500,000 [24] [25]
Return from Witch Mountain $6,393,000$6,393,000information unavailableinformation unavailable$10,000,000information unavailable$16,393,000 [26] [27]
Beyond Witch Mountain information unavailableinformation unavailableinformation unavailableinformation unavailable
Escape to Witch Mountain information unavailableinformation unavailableinformation unavailableinformation unavailable
Race to Witch Mountain $67,172,594$39,214,547$106,387,141#1,227#2,091$41,619,672$50,000,000$98,006,813 [28] [29]

Critical and public response

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic
Escape to Witch Mountain76% (21 reviews) [30] 60 (7 reviews) [31]
Return from Witch Mountain50% (10 reviews) [32]
Beyond Witch Mountain
Escape to Witch Mountain
Race to Witch Mountain42% (153 reviews) [33] 52 (28 reviews) [34]

Notes

  1. These figures are based on the available numbers for the theatrical films. Though there are a total five movies, there is no financial information publicly available for the made-for-television films.

Related Research Articles

<i>Lilo & Stitch</i> 2002 film by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois

Lilo & Stitch is a 2002 American animated science fiction comedy drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It was written and directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois and produced by Clark Spencer, based on an original story created by Sanders. It stars Daveigh Chase and Sanders as the voices of the title characters, with the voices of Tia Carrere, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin McDonald, Ving Rhames, Jason Scott Lee, Zoe Caldwell, and Kevin Michael Richardson in supporting roles. It was the second of three Disney animated feature films produced primarily at the Florida animation studio in Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida.

<i>Escape to Witch Mountain</i> (1995 film) 1995 American television film by Peter Rader

Escape to Witch Mountain is a 1995 American fantasy-adventure television film written and directed by Peter Rader. It is a remake of the 1975 film of the same name. The film was announced by American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in September 1994, as the third of four Disney film remakes to air on the channel, the other three being The Shaggy Dog, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, and Freaky Friday. The film was produced by Walt Disney Television and premiered on ABC on April 29, 1995, as an ABC Family Movie.

<i>Escape to Witch Mountain</i> 1968 science fiction novel by Alexander Key

Escape to Witch Mountain is a science fiction novel written by Alexander Key in 1968. It was adapted for film by Disney as Escape to Witch Mountain in 1975 which spawned the Witch Mountain franchise. The novel was illustrated by Leon B. Wisdom, Jr. and originally published in 1968 by the Westminster Press in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Alexander Hill Key was an American science fiction writer who primarily wrote children's literature.

<i>Stitch! The Movie</i> 2003 film by Tony Craig and Bobs Gannaway

Stitch! The Movie is a 2003 American direct-to-video animated science fiction comedy film produced by Walt Disney Television Animation and Rough Draft Korea, released on August 26, 2003. It is produced by Tony Craig, Jess Winfield, and Roberts "Bobs" Gannaway; Gannaway also co-wrote and co-directed with Winfield and Craig, respectively. It is the second film released in the Lilo & Stitch franchise and the third film chronologically, taking place after the 2002 first film and the 2005 direct-to-video sequel Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch. The film also serves as the backdoor pilot of the spin-off sequel series Lilo & Stitch: The Series, which Craig, Winfield, and Gannaway executive produced and debuted the following month. The story is an introduction to Dr. Jumba Jookiba's 625 experiments that he created with the financing of Dr. Jacques von Hämsterviel.

<i>Return from Witch Mountain</i> 1978 film by John Hough

Return from Witch Mountain is a 1978 American science fiction–adventure film and a sequel to Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) and the second film in the Witch Mountain franchise. It was produced by Walt Disney Productions. It was written by Malcolm Marmorstein and is based on characters created by Alexander Key, who also wrote the novelization of the film for Disney. Ike Eisenmann, Kim Richards, and Denver Pyle reprise their roles as Tony, Tia, and Uncle Bené—humanoid extraterrestrials with special powers including telepathy and telekinesis. The two main villains are played by Bette Davis as Letha Wedge, a greedy woman using the last of her money to finance the scientific experiments of Dr. Victor Gannon, played by Christopher Lee. It was the final film of actor Jack Soo, who died of cancer in January 1979.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Richards</span> American actress (born 1964)

Kim Erica Richards is an American actress, socialite, and television personality. She began her career as a child actress, and rose to prominence from her roles in Nanny and the Professor, Escape to Witch Mountain, and Return from Witch Mountain. In 2010, Richards appeared as a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside her sister Kyle Richards. She was part of the main cast for the first five seasons and has returned for guest appearances in subsequent seasons.

<i>Beyond Witch Mountain</i> 1982 television film by Robert Day

Beyond Witch Mountain is a 1982 American science fantasy television film directed by Robert Day. It is a sequel to Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) and is the third installment in the Witch Mountain franchise. While most parts were recast, including Tia and Tony, Eddie Albert returned to play Jason O'Day from the original 1975 film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ike Eisenmann</span> American actor

Ike Eisenmann is a former American actor, producer, and sound effects specialist who has been active in the entertainment industry since childhood.

Witch Mountain may refer to:

<i>Race to Witch Mountain</i> 2009 American science fiction adventure film

Race to Witch Mountain is a 2009 American science fiction adventure thriller film directed by Andy Fickman. The film stars Dwayne Johnson alongside AnnaSophia Robb, Carla Gugino, Ciarán Hinds, Alexander Ludwig, Tom Everett Scott, and Christopher Marquette. It is a reboot of the Witch Mountain franchise.

<i>Escape to Witch Mountain</i> (1975 film) 1975 film by John Hough

Escape to Witch Mountain is a 1975 American fantasy science-fiction film, based on Alexander H. Key's 1968 novel of the same name and directed by John Hough. It was released on March 21, 1975 by Walt Disney Productions and Buena Vista Distribution Company. It is the first film of the Witch Mountain series.

Stitch (<i>Lilo & Stitch</i>) Fictional extraterrestrial character from Disneys Lilo & Stitch franchise

Stitch, also known as Experiment 626, is a fictional character from Disney's Lilo & Stitch franchise. A genetically engineered, extraterrestrial life-form resembling a blue koala, he is the more prominent of the franchise's two title protagonists, the other being his human adopter and best friend Lilo Pelekai.

<i>The Little Mermaid</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise

The Little Mermaid is an American media franchise created by The Walt Disney Company based on "The Little Mermaid", written by Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen. The success of the 1989 animated film of the same name led to a direct-to-video sequel, a prequel film, a spin-off television series, a musical, several video games, theme park attractions, and other merchandise. A live action remake of the film was released in 2023. The Little Mermaid paved the way for what would become the Disney Renaissance, with the original film becoming the first film of that era.

<i>101 Dalmatians</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise

101 Dalmatians is an American media franchise owned by The Walt Disney Company and based on Dodie Smith's 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians. It began in 1961 with the release of the traditionally animated feature film, One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Various adaptations produced from Disney have been released over the years.

Alien Nation is an American science fiction media franchise created by Rockne S. O'Bannon, comprising film, television, and other media productions about alien refugees living on Earth. The series began with the 1988 film Alien Nation, which was adapted into a Fox Network television series of the same name in 1989. Fox cancelled the series abruptly after one season, but continued the story in five TV movies. The series also produced other media and merchandising tie-ins, including novels and comics. Aside from the sci-fi angle, the franchise fits into many different genres including drama, police procedural and buddy cop.

<i>Herbie</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise about a sentient 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

The Herbie franchise consists of American sports adventure comedy theatrical feature films, one television film, a television series, and other multimedia releases. The overall story centers around the titular Herbie, a sentient anthropomorphic 1963 Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of his own and capable of driving himself. The vehicle is oftentimes a legitimate contender, though the underdog contestant in competitive races, but to a greater degree assists his human owners in bettering their lives.

<i>Flubber</i> (franchise) 1961 American film

The Flubber franchise consists of American science-fiction-comedy films, with three theatrical releases, and two made-for-television films. The overall story is based on the short story, A Situation of Gravity, written by Samuel W. Taylor in 1943. The plot of the films center around an absent-minded college professor, who works tirelessly to find the next great invention. The Professor wants to make scientific history, while working to save the school at which he works, the Medfield College.

<i>The Shaggy Dog</i> (franchise) American media franchise

The Shaggy Dog franchise consists of American science fiction-fantasy-comedy films, with three theatrical releases, and two made-for-television films. The overall story is based on the 1923 novel titled The Hound of Florence by Felix Salten. The overarching story of each installment, follows Wilbur "Wilby" Daniels who is cursed and transforms into a large Old English Sheepdog after attaining an ancient Borgian ring and reciting its inscription.

<i>Dexter Riley</i> 1969 American film

The Dexter Riley film series consists of American science fiction-comedy films, centered around an eponymous college student. The films, produced by The Walt Disney Company and taking place at the fictional Medfield College, follow the science class led by Professor Quigley, and their experiments, projects, and adventures. The college, under the direction of Dean Eugene Higgins becomes involved in the nefarious plans of millionaire-turned-criminal, A. J. Arno.

References

  1. Fibbs, Brandon (March 13, 2009). "Race to Witch Mountain". Christianity Today. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  2. May, Scott A. (March 19, 2009). "Formulaic 'Witch Mountain' redo will have audiences racing for exit". Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  3. Thompson, Gary (March 12, 2009). "Back to Witch Mountain: Disney updates it with a fast-paced action flick". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  4. "Was "Escape to Witch Mountain" based on Zenna Henderson's "People" stories?". LDS Film. LDS Film. January 22, 2005. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  5. McElroy, Jenny (March 13, 2009). "Alexander Key. Escape to Witch Mountain. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1968". UNC-Chapel Hills Library. A North Carolina Novels – A Guide to Fiction Set in North Carolina. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  6. "Witch Mountain: Return from Witch Mountain". GoodReads. GoodReads. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  7. Sherman, Fraser A. Cyborgs, Santa Claus and Satan: Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films Made For Television. p. 64.
  8. Williams, Whitney (January 1, 1975). "Escape to Witch Mountain".
  9. Pollock, Dale (January 1, 1978). "Return from Witch Mountain".
  10. MeTV Staff (December 5, 2017). "13 fascinating facts about 'The Wonderful World of Disney'". Me-TV Network.
  11. "Beyond Witch Mountain (television)". D23.
  12. "Preview '94: A Feel for Family: ABC PINS ITS SATURDAY NIGHT VALUES ON WHOLESOME MOVIES". Los Angeles Times. September 11, 1994.
  13. "ABC revives weekly Disney series". Deseret News. September 28, 1997.
  14. Barnes & Noble. "Race to Witch Mountain". Barnes & Noble.
  15. "Escape to Witch Mountain – Movie Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. November 23, 2009.
  16. McDaniel, Matt (February 10, 2012). "Dwayne Johnson: The Sequel's Champion?". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  17. Weitzman, Elizabeth (March 11, 2009). "'Race to Witch Mountain' is a thoroughly modern remake". NY Daily News. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  18. Leydon, Joe (March 11, 2009). "Race to Witch Mountain". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  19. Liptak, Andrew (April 10, 2021). "All of the shows and films Disney is planning for its Disney+ streaming service". The Verge. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  20. Palmer, Roger (April 3, 2021). "Is A New "Escape To Witch Mountain" Remake Coming To Disney+?". What's on Disney Plus. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  21. Shah, Beejoli (April 2, 2019). "As Disney Plans Streaming Launch, Speed and Marketing Are Key". The Information. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  22. Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 24, 2021). "Sony Pictures Conjuring Up 'Bewitched' Movie Based On Classic TV Series". Deadline. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  23. Otterson, Joe (December 12, 2022). "'Witch Mountain' Pilot Set at Disney+, Bryce Dallas Howard to Lead Cast". Variety. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  24. "Escape to Witch Mountain". Box Office Mojo.
  25. "All-time Film Rental Champs", Variety, January 7, 1976, p 44
  26. "Return from Witch Mountain". Box Office Mojo.
  27. "Return from Witch Mountain". Disney Movies List. December 14, 2017.
  28. "Race to Witch Mountain". Box Office Mojo.
  29. "Race to Witch Mountain (2009) – Financial Information". The Numbers.
  30. "Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)". Rotten Tomatoes .
  31. "Escape to Witch Mountain". Metacritic .
  32. "Return from Witch Mountain (1978)". Rotten Tomatoes .
  33. "Race to Witch Mountain (2009)". Rotten Tomatoes .
  34. "Race to Witch Mountain". Metacritic .