Live-Action Tinker Bell Series Coming to Disney+ from Liz Heldens and Bridget Carpenter
EXCLUSIVE: Disney’s beloved fairy Tinker Bell is set to make her debut in a live-action television series, marking a significant development for the studio’s streaming platform.
This new project has been in the works for some time, as Disney seeks to reinvigorate the classic character originally conceived by J.M. Barrie. Tinker Bell first appeared in Disney’s animated 1953 film Peter Pan and has since become an enduring figure, featuring in a multitude of films and series over the past seven decades.
Plans for a live-action film titled Tink emerged back in 2015, with actress Reese Witherspoon announced as the lead. However, the project underwent a major reorganization in 2021 following the departure of Gary Marsh, former President and Chief Creative Officer at Disney Branded Television, who established his own Disney-backed production entity.
In 2023, actress Yara Shahidi took on the role of Tinker Bell in the live-action film Peter Pan & Wendy.
For the upcoming series, Marsh will serve as executive producer in collaboration with Disney’s 20th Television. Liz Heldens and Bridget Carpenter are on board as writers and executive producers, alongside Quinn Haberman from Heldens’ production company, Selfish Mermaid.
Heldens and Carpenter, longtime collaborators, previously worked together on the acclaimed series Friday Night Lights. Heldens, who began her television career on Boston Public, produced notable projects such as NBC’s medical drama Mercy and Fox’s The Big Leap. Currently, she is co-showrunner for ABC’s Will Trent, now in its fourth season.
Carpenter made her mark on Showtime’s Dead Like Me before co-executive producing Friday Night Lights. She created Hulu’s 11.22.63 and has contributed to series like Parenthood, Westworld, and Only Murders in the Building, as well as establishing herself as a respected playwright.
Both writers are well-represented in the industry, with Heldens being represented by WME and Hansen Jacobson Teller, while Carpenter is backed by CAA, Artists First, and Schreck Rose Dapello.
