Amid a recent series of sexual assault allegations against award-winning author Neil Gaiman, Disney has put a planned feature adaptation of his 2008 YA title The Graveyard Book on pause. Reps for the studio declined comment on the decision, citing a number of factors for pressing pause on the film. The allegations against Gaiman, which the author has denied, were only one of the reasons for the halt of the project.
Among the first accusers to come forward against Gaiman was Scarlett, who alleged that the author sexually assaulted her in New Zealand in February 2022 while she was working as a nanny to his child. Another accuser, K, stated that after meeting Gaiman at a Florida book signing in 2003 at the age of 18, she was subjected to rough sex with him, despite being in an otherwise consensual relationship, which she “neither wanted nor enjoyed.”
The Graveyard Book film adaptation had been in deep development up until the pause, with no cast attached as of yet. Director Marc Forster had come on board to direct the film from a script by David Magee in 2022. Forster’s producing partner Renée Wolfe was set to produce through their 2Dux2 banner, along with Gil Netter and Ben Browning. Gaiman had no involvement with the project, even before the allegations against him surfaced.
The Graveyard Book, written by Gaiman, tells the story of Nobody “Bod” Owen, a young boy who is raised by ghosts and supernatural beings in a graveyard, including the caretaker Silas, after his family is murdered. The book, winner of the American Newberry Medal, has received numerous accolades. Gaiman, also known for titles like The Sandman, American Gods, Coraline, and Good Omens, has faced sexual assault allegations from five women, most of whom were revealed through reporting from Tortoise Media.
Impact on Neil Gaiman’s Works
The sexual assault allegations have taken a toll on Gaiman’s career, leading to Netflix canceling its series Dead Boy Detectives, based on his comic book characters, after just one season. While it’s uncertain whether the allegations directly influenced the decision to cancel the series, Gaiman’s reputation has been significantly impacted by the accusations.
The ongoing sexual assault allegations against Neil Gaiman have had far-reaching consequences, leading to the pause of The Graveyard Book film adaptation and the cancellation of a Netflix series based on his work. The allegations have tarnished Gaiman’s reputation as a celebrated author, sparking a conversation about accountability and consequences in the entertainment industry.