Unveiling the Season 2 Wish List, Love Square Updates, and More Insights from the ‘Goosebumps’ Cast
'Goosebumps' cast members Isa Briones, Ana Yi Puig, Zack Morris, Miles McKenna, and Will Price exclusively share their hopes for Season 2, the future of the love square, remaining unexplored stories, the show's inspiration from their real-life friendship, its response, and what sets it apart
The cast of Goosebumps joined forces to produce a truly extraordinary on-screen experience. Season 1 was merely the start.
Prior to the season 1 finale on Friday, November 17, Isa Briones, Ana Yi Puig, Zack Morris, Miles McKenna, and Will Price, in an exclusive interview with We, shared their aspirations for the show's impact thus far.
"The show offers a captivating blend of mystery, action, adventure, heartfelt moments, bravery, companionship, and intense family conflicts. It caters to all age groups, offering something to love for everyone. While it can be thrillingly suspenseful, it also evokes deep emotions and provides moments of humor." Puig, who portrays Isabella, expressed her enthusiasm for the show by mentioning that wrapping up the initial chapter stirred a powerful response among the cast and crew.
The final episode left everyone in tears due to the deep connections formed with the characters and the profound emotional and physical aftermath of their actions. This YA drama is not just filled with action, but also meticulously portrays the growth and evolution of these young individuals. It strikes a perfect balance between all these elements. Goosebumps, inspired by R.L. Stine's acclaimed horror novels, revolves around five teenagers who must collaborate to contain supernatural forces that they have unintentionally unleashed upon their small town. Along the way, they uncover hidden truths about their parents' pasts.
Reflecting on season 1, McKenna praised Goosebumps for its ability to go beyond horror and explore various themes.
According to McKenna, who portrays James, the main message of the show is friendship. In addition to the five central characters battling the villains from the Goosebumps lore, the show also delves into the portrayal of real-world struggles and fears. McKenna emphasizes that these struggles can be both external and internal. The characters in the show find strength and discover different aspects of themselves through their connections with each other, despite their differences.
The horror series, still awaiting season 2 renewal, concluded shockingly with the sudden death of Isaiah (Morris). Nathan Bratt (Justin Long) was forced to confront the consequences of his decisions on the entire town. Before he could make his next move, Nathan discovered that he was once again possessed, this time by the more sinister Kanduu (Chris Geere), who overshadowed the initial entity Harold Biddle (Ben Cockell) that had taken control of his body. Scroll down to see the main cast examine the unanswered questions surrounding season 2, the show's romantic elements, and more.
Their Hopes and Dreams for Season 2
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Despite the uncertainty of the show's renewal, the cast has been contemplating their desires for the future of the show. Lucas, portrayed by Price, expressed his interest in a potential shift in tone for season 2 of Goosebumps. He mentioned his appreciation for the thrilling and suspenseful vibes often found in summer horror blockbusters produced by Steven Spielberg. Price acknowledged that while he is not involved in the writing process, he believes there are numerous captivating Goosebumps books set during the summertime that could be explored. He found the idea of switching from the dark and somber tone of the first season to a slasher genre intriguing and potentially enjoyable.
McKenna playfully suggested that James should pursue football now that Isaiah, his closest friend, is having second thoughts about playing the sport.
"I think it's time for James to step onto the football field," McKenna chuckled. "He's been the mascot for way too long. I believe he has the potential to excel as an active member of the team, representing our school. Let's go, Titans! I'd love to see him show off his real muscles instead of hiding behind the mascot suit."
Regarding Isaiah, Morris has numerous queries concerning his character's mental state following resurrection. He tells Us, "Upon returning to life, one has myriad questions. I am uncertain about the effects of that spell on Isaiah. Is he fully restored now? Is he inclined towards evil? What path will he take?" Morris admits his genuine lack of knowledge but expresses great enthusiasm in discovering the answers.
Morris is also intrigued to witness the adaptation of Stine's subsequent books.
"There are numerous books in the series that have yet to be utilized, offering a multitude of unique monsters and plot lines that have yet to be incorporated into our version," he explained. "I am confident that there is still much that Goosebumps fans desire to see. We will strive to include as much as possible in future seasons, ensuring their enjoyment and our own excitement in exploring these elements."
Despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead for Isabella, Puig expressed her enthusiasm for her character's remarkable journey thus far. "She embodies this invisible persona, desperately yearning for connection but unsure of how to attain it. Eventually, she discovers a means of being seen rather than hiding behind her phone and behaving as a bully," she observed. "The metaphors we present to young adults emphasize the importance of embracing your true self and the rewards of forging genuine friendships and experiencing love when one is authentic."
Puig praised the show's film crew, specifically their exceptional work on the costume design, which effectively showcased Isabella's transformation throughout the series.
According to Puig, Isabella's wardrobe at the start of the series was extremely conservative, a clear sign that her mother was dictating her style choices. She mostly wore skirts, plaid patterns, and sweaters. However, as the series progressed, her fashion choices evolved, culminating in her donning a biker jacket paired with tight jeans.
For Puig, this change in clothing symbolized Isabella's growth into a young person who confidently expresses herself and refuses to be influenced by others. Puig described this transformation as a beautiful journey for Isabella from beginning to end.
The Future of the Love Square
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In season 1, Goosebumps presented numerous potential pairings for both the cast and fans to explore. Initially, Margot developed a connection with Lucas, but later on, her unspoken bond with Isaiah became complicated. On the other hand, Isaiah found himself attracted to Isabella before facing his feelings for Margot.
After Margot and Lucas went through an emotional breakup, Price expressed his thoughts on the ongoing impact their relationship has.
Price expressed, "What I love about the Margot and Lucas relationship is that it reminds me of being a high schooler. It's that initial moment when you feel truly understood by another person. It's not overpowering, but it's the first time when you realize, 'Oh, I can confide in someone with my emotions and feelings. They bring out the best in me.' Even if they weren't together, I believe that feeling would still remain. However, after the events of the first season, maybe everyone needs to take a moment for self-reflection and personal growth."
On the other hand, Morris acknowledges the appeal of every fictional couple in the show.
Referring to the situation between Isaiah and Margot, many can relate to having an unspoken connection that lingers in the air. It's something you sense but can't fully grasp," he stated. "As for whether this will be explored further, only time will tell."
Nevertheless, Isaiah's connection with Margot does not overshadow the chemistry he shares with Isabella. "The love triangle with Isabella brings a fresh and unfamiliar romance, as we navigate uncharted territory," Morris elaborated. "I believe in giving the audience what they desire."
Briones and Puig had differing opinions on the couple, expressing their thoughts.
"I'm not on Team Margot and Isaiah or Team Margot and Lucas. I'm on Team Margot and Isabella. That's the team we're rooting for. And joking aside, I really wish we had more scenes together," Briones shared with Us. "If there's a season 2, I'll definitely go to the writers and insist that we become best friends. It just has to happen."
Briones hopes that in season 2, the show will delve into a genuine female friendship where the girls stand together and challenge the boys to understand.
Puig also shares her own personal thoughts on the matter, expressing her support for a romantic relationship between Isabella and Isaiah, as well as Margot and Lucas. However, from Ana's perspective, Puig believes that Isabella and Margot would make an incredible couple due to their intellect, shared similarities, and experiences. She genuinely believes that their relationship would be free from any unnecessary drama and lead to true happiness.
Which ‘Goosebumps’ Stories Are Still Left to Explore
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Stine's literary career spans back to 1992, featuring a remarkable collection of 240 books released over the years. During a conversation about their preferred titles, Morris highlighted the abundance of captivating "variations" in the Slappy the Dummy stories within the series. On the other hand, Prince and McKenna maintain an optimistic outlook on the upcoming TV adaptation of The Werewolf of Fever Swamp.
How the Cast’s Real-Life Friendship Inspired the Show
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The release of new episodes of Goosebumps brought about a wave of admiration from viewers who were enthralled by the strong sense of found family portrayed in the series. The cast attributed this authentic connection to their off-screen friendship, which fueled their performances.
"I genuinely believe that the casting process must have involved some kind of enchantment, as the friends I made during this experience are truly exceptional. I hold them in the utmost regard, with all my being," Puig expressed to Us. "It is my honest belief that our strong bond outside of the show is what made our on-screen relationships so successful. Our connection did not deepen through filming more scenes, but rather our real-life interactions informed the authenticity of our performances."
McKenna concurred, expressing his gratitude for the positive atmosphere on set.
“We all have such unique qualities and our collaboration is truly exceptional. However, we spent an extensive amount of time on set and during breaks, where we would all gather in the same trailer and bond. As artists, we not only developed together, but also as individuals, especially during the six months we spent in a foreign country. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have formed deep friendships with each and every one of them, for numerous reasons.”
Seeing the Response to the Show
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For the cast, it was a pleasure to see the outpouring of support for the series.
"Being a part of people's childhoods, Goosebumps holds a special place in their hearts. Growing up with the original show has created a delicate and responsible connection for us," Morris expressed. "As a collective, our aim was to do justice to the material, and receiving a positive response from fans who adore the book series or love the TV show is truly heartwarming."
McKenna also shared his appreciation for the creative ways fans have shown their love. "It's amazing to see the TikTok edits specifically highlighting the Isaiah and James friendship, or the ones featuring Isabella and James. Considering the limited screen time we had together in comparison to our real-life bond, it's incredible to witness that everyone understands and feels the positivity of our friendship," he revealed. "Having fans of the work we've created is something truly special."
What Makes the Show Stand Out
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Price explained how Goosebumps effectively portrays genuine teenage experiences.
"Today's generation, especially high school students, possess an impressive vocabulary to articulate their emotions. The show successfully avoids belittling these emotions and recognizes that young people today are highly emotionally intelligent. In fact, we often surpass our parents in discussing our feelings, which the show also acknowledges. Beyond its horror elements, one of the strengths of our show is its portrayal of the importance of processing and overcoming challenges."
Briones was delighted by how Goosebumps highlighted the emotional aspects of the story.
"When we initially meet the characters, they conform to stereotypes. However, the writers have done an incredible job by maintaining these stereotypes and subsequently breaking them down throughout the show," she explained to Us. "This is why I believe the audience is so enamored with the show at present - it portrays a significantly broader range of life."
She concluded by stating that the show touches upon numerous current themes. While it incorporates elements of horror and occasional silliness, it also delves into the inherited traumas from previous generations. This, she believes, is one of the main appeals of the show.
