David Schwimmer, known for his comedic roles, brought a unique touch to his role as a botanist in Goosebumps: The Vanishing, the second season of the Disney+ and Hulu series based on R.L. Stine’s iconic books. The actor infused his character with corny dad jokes, much to the amusement (and cringe) of his on-screen children, Devin (Sam McCarthy) and Cece (Jayden Bartels). One example of Schwimmer’s humor: “What plant should you watch out for? An ambush.”
Showrunner Rob Letterman shared with TheWrap, “He really dove deep into the character, researching ‘botanist’ and ‘bad dad plant jokes.’” Fellow showrunner Hilary Winston added, “He even sent us a list of jokes. It was so cool.” One joke, “Sorry, I can’t go out. I have plants,” became a fan favorite and even turned into an unofficial crew shirt for the show. Letterman recalled seeing someone in Brooklyn wearing it, a testament to its popularity.
In a recent interview, the showrunners also discussed Schwimmer’s involvement, the series’ mix of practical and visual effects, and the unique appeal of the anthology format.
Schwimmer’s Dark Role
Letterman explained how they landed Schwimmer for the role of Anthony, a dark and emotional character: “We love casting comedians in dramatic roles, like we did with Rachael Harris in Season 1. Comedy and horror often share similar rhythms — the same timing for scares and punchlines. When we thought of David, we knew it would be a surprise for audiences. He jumped on a Zoom with us and immediately loved the concept, bringing fresh ideas to shape Anthony.”
Schwimmer, who has a 13-year-old child, was already familiar with Goosebumps and enjoyed the first season. His connection to New York, where the show is filmed, also made the opportunity appealing. Winston praised Schwimmer’s contribution to the character: “The character of Anthony wouldn’t have been the same without David. He brought so much depth to the role, with dramatic scenes that really showed his range.”
Practical Effects and Scary Moments
Season 2 features a combination of practical and visual effects, adding to the series’ spooky atmosphere. In one scene, Schwimmer’s character has to “cut into his arm” — though it was a practical effect, not real harm. Letterman also highlighted a full monster suit used in Episode 2, showcasing the show’s commitment to old-school effects. Visual effects from WETA helped enhance the scenes despite tight deadlines.
When it comes to keeping the series PG while delivering scares, Letterman said Disney encouraged them to go for the best story. “They told us to just focus on the story. We’d get feedback if something went too far,” he explained. Winston added that while they had some boundaries, they were able to push the envelope as long as it served the story.
A Found Footage Episode and More
One standout moment this season is a found footage-style episode, directed by Eduardo Sánchez, co-director of The Blair Witch Project. Winston described the episode as “really, really scary” and emphasized how the lack of visual confirmation of horror enhances the tension. Letterman agreed, noting that sometimes what isn’t seen is more terrifying than what is visible.
The Appeal of an Anthology Format
Letterman and Winston are drawn to the anthology format because it allows them to explore different stories and characters in each episode. “It’s liberating,” Letterman said. “You can create a whole new world and new characters every time. You don’t have to stick with one monster for years.” Winston added that for Goosebumps, the anthology format stays true to R.L. Stine’s vision, allowing for fresh stories while keeping the scares relevant.
Season 2’s Central Metaphor: Grief
Winston hinted that the season’s central theme, while not officially confirmed, is about grief. “It’s about those family stories that are never fully told, things that are left unprocessed,” she said. “When those stories aren’t dealt with, that’s when the real terror begins.”
Goosebumps: The Vanishing is currently streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
