Disney has ordered a pilot for a television series based on the Spaceship Earth attraction at EPCOT. The potential series takes inspiration from the ride’s time-traveling adventures.
The project is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to develop entertainment based on attractions from its theme parks. Unlike a direct recreation of the ride experience, the proposed series appears to use the attraction as inspiration for a new science fiction story involving time travel and characters from different eras.
Pilot Focuses on Original Science Fiction Story
Disney’s describes the storyline as so: “When a mission to avert an imminent global cataclysm goes awry, a small band of teenagers from Earth’s past and future must join forces to confront a threat as vast and mysterious as time itself.”
The story differs from the Spaceship Earth attraction at EPCOT. The ride focuses on the development of human communication throughout history, while the television project appears to explore a fictional adventure involving multiple time periods.
Spaceship Earth in the evening in EPCOT at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Disney has not announced additional story details beyond the initial premise. The company has also not revealed the writers, producers, actors, filming schedule, or potential release platform.
Creative Team Behind the Spaceship Earth Pilot
Disney has assembled a creative team for the Spaceship Earth pilot, with Jason Fuchs and Michael Waldron writing the project. Fuchs will serve as showrunner and executive produces through FiveTen Productions, the production company he launched with his wife, Alexandra Fuchs.
Fuchs is known for his work as co-showrunner on HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry. Waldron has written and produced projects including Marvel Studios’ Loki and Avengers: Doomsday.
Screenwrite Jason Fuchs – YouTube, Josh Horowitz
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The executive producing team also includes Waldron, director Lee Toland Krieger, Adam Fishbach, and Adam Fasullo through Waldron’s Anomaly Pictures. Krieger has directed episodes of television series including You and Riverdale.
The project remains in the pilot stage. Disney has not announced casting, a production schedule, or a release date.
Pilot Order Does Not Guarantee a Full Series
A pilot order represents an early step in television production. Studios often create pilot episodes to evaluate a concept, story direction, and production approach before deciding whether to order additional episodes.
Some pilots move forward into full series productions, while others do not receive further development. At this stage, Disney has only confirmed work on the pilot.
Spaceship Earth Has Been an EPCOT Attraction Since 1982
Spaceship Earth opened with EPCOT on October 1, 1982. The attraction is located inside the park’s large geodesic sphere and explores the history of human communication.
The ride takes guests through scenes covering major developments in communication, including prehistoric cave paintings, early writing systems, the printing press, telecommunications, and modern digital technology.
Spaceship Earth in Epcot at night – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
Spaceship Earth uses Disney’s Omnimover ride system and includes Audio-Animatronics figures throughout its scenes. The current version features narration by Dame Judi Dench, who began narrating the attraction in 2007. Composer Bruce Broughton created the attraction’s current musical score.
The experience concludes with an interactive section focused on possible visions of the future. Guests answer questions during the ride before receiving a personalized presentation based on their responses.
Disney Has Adapted Several Theme Park Attractions
The Spaceship Earth project follows several Disney productions inspired by theme park attractions.
The company developed the Pirates of the Caribbean film series from the attraction of the same name, beginning with the 2003 film. Disney has also released movies based on attractions such as Jungle Cruise and Haunted Mansion.
Dwayne Johnson as Frank Wolff in Disney’s JUNGLE CRUISE. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
These adaptations have taken different approaches. Some projects have closely referenced their source attractions, while others have used the attraction as a starting point for a new story.
The Spaceship Earth television project appears to follow the second approach by creating an original narrative rather than adapting the ride’s scenes.
Television Project Remains in Development
The Spaceship Earth TV series remains in an early development phase. Disney has not confirmed whether the pilot will become a full series or announced when additional information may be released.
If the project moves forward, future announcements could provide details about the creative team, casting, production schedule, and distribution plans.
For now, the Disney Spaceship Earth pilot represents an early attempt to create a television story connected to one of EPCOT’s long-running attractions.
Are you hopeful for a Spaceship Earth TV series? Sound off and let us know.
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