Disney has announced a suspension of its adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel The Graveyard Book in light of recent sexual assault allegations against the author.
The film, directed by Marc Forster, was in the early stages of development and had not yet entered pre-production or confirmed its cast. Although Gaiman had no direct involvement in the film’s production, the project has been put on hold due to the claims made against him.
The Graveyard Book, published in 2008, tells the story of a young boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. The decision to halt development follows serious allegations by Tortoise Media on July 3.
The accusations involve two women: one, identified as K, claims that Gaiman sexually assaulted her when she was 18 in 2003, following a meeting at a book signing in Sarasota, Florida. She alleges that their later relationship, when she was 20, involved non-consensual and painful sexual experiences. Gaiman has denied any unlawful conduct with K.
The second allegation comes from Scarlett, who asserts that Gaiman sexually assaulted her in a bath at his New Zealand home in 2022, where she worked as a nanny for his child. Gaiman contends that their interactions were consensual and limited to “cuddling” and “making out.” He acknowledges a consensual sexual relationship but disputes Scarlett’s characterization of their encounters.
The New Zealand police have initiated an investigation into the allegations against Gaiman, which has further contributed to the film’s halted development. Additionally, a podcast series by Tortoise Media has detailed these allegations, with three other women subsequently coming forward with their own claims.
Disney’s pause on the film adaptation reflects a broader industry response to serious accusations and the ongoing investigation into Gaiman’s conduct.
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