Disney has announced yet another reboot, and the reaction has been anything but enthusiastic. The entertainment giant, long celebrated for its groundbreaking storytelling, has faced mounting criticism in recent years for leaning heavily on reboots instead of original content.
The latest addition to this trend is a planned reboot of Holes – Louis Sachar’s beloved 1998 novel and its 2003 Disney film adaptation starring Shia LaBeouf, Khleo Thomas, Brenden Jefferson, and Sigourney Weaver.
Unlike the original story, which followed Stanley Yelnats at the correctional Camp Green Lake, the reboot reimagines the tale with a female lead.
According to Variety, the Disney+ series pilot, penned by Alina Mankin and led by showrunner Liz Phang, will explore the experiences of a teenage girl sent to a detention camp.
Executive producers include Mankin, Phang, Drew Goddard, and Sarah Esberg of Goddard Textiles, along with original producer Mike Medavoy. Walden Media and rights holder Shamrock are also backing the project.
Despite the impressive production team, fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment.
Fans Criticize Disney’s Decision to Reboot Holes
Many are critical of the gender-swapped premise, arguing that it alters a core aspect of the story. The original narrative revolves around Stanley Yelnats IV’s paternal family history, a central plot point that some say doesn’t translate well to a female-led adaptation.
it’s so funny to see weird posturing like this bc like.., there are girls in holes… also holes has a sequel that’s partially about a girl that they could just make a film…
it’s so funny to see weird posturing like this bc like.., there are girls in holes… also holes has a sequel that’s partially about a girl that they could just make a film… https://t.co/92ft4I0OlD
— mezz (@blondemezz) January 8, 2025
One fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “The original Holes movie is one of the few truly perfect book-to-movie adaptations. It NEVER needed a reboot! How are you going to have a Stanley Yelnats IV if Stanley is a girl?”
Others criticized Disney’s strategy of gender-swapping a story that isn’t primed for such a twist. “I’m all for genderbending roles…..but the #Holes reboot seems pretty redundent. All the girl characters are gonna have the same personalites as the boys in the book/movie.”
Holes is an absolutely perfect movie. It has no flaws. It already has several very cool female characters. It does not need a reboot!
If you must reboot things, why not reboot things that suck so we can have a good version?
Holes is an absolutely perfect movie. It has no flaws. It already has several very cool female characters. It does not need a reboot!
If you must reboot things, why not reboot things that suck so we can have a good version? https://t.co/P3x4vjEgEp
— Sheila Jenné (@jennelikejennay) January 9, 2025
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced backlash over its reimaginings. Previous controversies, such as those surrounding The Lion King (2019) and Snow White (2025), have drawn ire for prioritizing profit and nostalgia over innovation.
As the Holes reboot prepares for production, the divide between Disney’s creative decisions and fan expectations continues to grow. Whether this new series can win over skeptics or becomes another flashpoint in the debate over Hollywood reboots remains to be seen.
How do you feel about the prospect of a Holes reboot?
