Thescreescore – Decades after first chilling readers, R.L. Stine’s cult classic, The Babysitter, is officially slated for a cinematic adaptation, promising to bring its distinct brand of suspense to a new generation. This long-awaited screen rendition, arriving nearly four decades after its initial publication, marks a significant moment for fans of the prolific horror author, renowned globally for his iconic Goosebumps and Fear Street franchises. While Stine’s more prominent works have frequently graced television and film, this particular, often-underrated gem from his early career is now stepping into the spotlight, thanks to an expanding partnership with streaming giant Tubi. The platform has even offered a brief glimpse into the upcoming terror with a teaser released on its official YouTube channel.
Adam Lewinson, Tubi’s Chief Content Officer, confirmed the live-action project, targeting a 2027 release. At the helm as director is Trevor Calverley, while the screenplay is being penned by Jem Garrard, known for her previous work on Tubi’s Pumpkinhead adaptations, which she both wrote and directed. This collaboration underscores Tubi’s strategic investment in bringing Stine’s vast library of scares to its audience.
First published in 1989, The Babysitter initiated a four-book series that captivated young adult horror enthusiasts through the mid-nineties. The forthcoming film will immerse viewers in the perilous world of Jenny, a sixteen-year-old aspiring writer. Desperate to accumulate funds for a prestigious program, Jenny accepts a babysitting gig, despite unsettling local reports of a mysterious assailant preying on teenage girls. Her situation quickly escalates into a nightmare as she begins receiving sinister, threatening phone calls, amplifying the dread amidst a town gripped by news of a terrifying criminal.
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The production is being spearheaded by Blue Ice, with a robust team of executive producers including Lance Samuels, Joan Waricha, Jane Stine herself, and screenwriter Jem Garrard. Producers attached to the project are Dan Bernard, Yvonne Bernard, Tebogo Maila, Darren Cameron, and Adam Friedlander. As of this publication, details regarding casting remain under wraps, and Tubi has yet to pinpoint a precise release date within its 2027 window.
The Babysitter is the latest confirmed addition to a deepening creative alliance between Stine and Tubi. This fruitful collaboration has already yielded two successful adaptations: the Pumpkinhead film, which premiered in October 2025, followed by its sequel, Pumpkinhead 2, released on October 9, 2026. Furthermore, Tubi recently announced another Stine-inspired project, Afraid of Clowns, based on a story from his 1999 collection, Nightmare Hour. This adaptation is also slated for a 2027 debut, ensuring a double dose of Stine-fueled terror for Tubi subscribers that year. While anticipation builds, specific release dates for both The Babysitter and Afraid of Clowns are eagerly awaited.
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