Sam McCarthy and Jayden Bartels, twin siblings, find their summer getaway with their father spiraling into a chilling adventure in Goosebumps: The Vanishing. McCarthy, who gained fame from Netflix’s Dead to Me, where he played Jen’s older son, and Bartels, originally a TikTok and YouTube star, pivoted to acting with notable roles in Disney Channel’s Coop & Cami Ask the World and Nickelodeon’s Side Hustle.
In this latest installment of the franchise, McCarthy portrays Devin and Bartels takes on the role of Cece. The narrative unfolds as the twins travel to New York City to reconnect with their father, Anthony, following his separation from their mother. He warns them to steer clear of the basement, but curiosity leads the siblings to uncover dark local lore, including the mysterious disappearance of their uncle decades earlier. The adventure escalates as they confront an enigmatic and sinister force lurking in their midst.
Co-starring alongside McCarthy and Bartels, the cast features David Schwimmer as Anthony, along with Elijah M. Cooper, Galilea La Salvia, Francesca Noel, Stony Blyden, and Ana Ortiz. The new season promises a fresh setting, with relatable characters and unique interpretations of R.L. Stine’s beloved book series, adding depth and excitement to the continuation of the narrative established in its first season.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of the series, ScreenRant caught up with Sam McCarthy and Jayden Bartels to discuss their experiences on Goosebumps: The Vanishing. They shared insights on their sibling dynamic, McCarthy’s unexpected connection to the franchise, and teased how Devin’s character evolves throughout the season.
Twin Chemistry: Bartels & McCarthy “Hit It Off”Quickly
“…I think when you’re working with good people, you kind of come together.”
ScreenRant: The sibling dynamic in Goosebumps: The Vanishing feels incredibly genuine. Can you both describe the process of establishing that rapport?
Jayden Bartels: We really connected right away! There are a lot of similarities between us and our characters, Devin and Cece. Even with our differences, we manage to have meaningful conversations and a deep understanding of one another.
Sam McCarthy: Thankfully, the chemistry just developed naturally. We auditioned together, which made it easier. When you’re surrounded by talented people, the connection often forms by itself — it’s like the universe conspires to bring that chemistry to life.
Jayden Bartels: It just clicks.
Sam McCarthy: Exactly, there’s no formula to it; it simply happened.
Venturing Into the Horror Genre: A Thrilling Experience
“…horror is a huge part of my life.”
The series melds horror with teen drama and comedy. What was your experience stepping into the horror aspect, especially after the first season’s bold approach?
Jayden Bartels: Horror has been a massive part of my life! It’s my favorite genre. Joining something as iconic as Goosebumps was exhilarating and took a while to fully sink in. I found immense joy in performing scary scenes — it’s like a dream come true to pretend to be chased by monsters! [Laughs]
Sam McCarthy: Absolutely! I found some of my scenes required a bit of imagination, using something as simple as a piece of pink tape to represent danger. It’s reminiscent of how kids play pretend — deciding the floor is lava, for instance. You just have to embrace that mindset that “this will harm me” and respond accordingly! [Chuckles]
Distinct Memories: Bartels & McCarthy Share Their Favorite Goosebumps Books
An Audiobook Connection: McCarthy’s Unique Backstory
Considering your connection to monsters, did you use any Goosebumps books for research, and do you have personal favorites?
Jayden Bartels: Interestingly, we weren’t specifically given books to read. However, episodes reference classic titles, enriching our understanding of the series. One of my all-time favorites is Say Cheese And Die!. Its cover is etched in my memory and brings back such nostalgia. Seeing these stories come alive in our episodes is thrilling.
Sam McCarthy: My connection is quite personal too; my mother narrated the audiobook for Night of the Living Dummy. That memory resonates with me deeply, as I recall her recording sessions from my childhood, which forged my early ties to the franchise.
Devin’s Supernatural Challenges: A Journey of Self-Discovery
“…I don’t know how much I can give away…”
Sam, Devin seems troubled this season. Can you hint at what the audience might expect, especially in contrast to the villain-centric narrative of season one?
Sam McCarthy: I’m unsure how much I can disclose about Devin’s supernatural encounters this season. However, he starts off feeling uncertain about himself, somewhat too comfortable in his sister’s shadow. As the season unfolds, challenges may push him to discover his identity and inner strength — a pivotal journey we hope resonates with viewers.
Overview of Goosebumps: The Vanishing
Goosebumps: The Vanishing begins as twins Cece and Devin Brewer visit their divorced father in Gravesend, Brooklyn. As eerie secrets emerge, a web of mystery unfolds — linked to the disappearance of four teenagers in 1994. The cast is led by the Emmy-nominated David Schwimmer, portraying Anthony Brewer, alongside Ana Ortiz as Detective Jen, and featuring Bartels and McCarthy in pivotal roles.
The series was developed by Nicholas Stoller, Rob Letterman, and showrunner Hilary Winston, all serving as executive producers alongside prominent names in entertainment, including Neal H. Moritz from Scholastic Entertainment.
Stay tuned for more interviews regarding Goosebumps: The Vanishing featuring:
- David Schwimmer
- Stony Blyden, Galilea La Salvia & Elijah M. Cooper
- Ana Ortiz & Francesca Noel
- Co-Creator Rob Letterman & Showrunner Hilary Winston
Mark your calendars: Goosebumps: The Vanishing will begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu starting January 10!
Source: ScreenRant Plus
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