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Sabrina and Daphne embark on a magical journey in the town of Ferryport Landing, discovering their lineage as descendants of The Brothers Grimm. The showrunner, Amy Higgins, along with executive producer Michael Buckley, who authored the original books, share insights about their new adventure series premiering on AppleTV+ this Friday, October 3rd.

Jackson Murphy: Amy, many people are captivated by the idea of reimagining fairytales, as seen in works like Shrek, Enchanted, and Tangled. What do you think drives this fascination, and what draws you to this series?

Amy Higgins: That’s a great question. In our pitch for the show, we discussed how fairytales have historically served to warn, instruct, and inspire. They exist in every culture and form, and they are deeply embedded in our childhood experiences. There’s a nostalgic pull to relive that magic, to imagine what it would be like if fairytale characters were real. I often thought about how I would feel if I encountered these characters in real life. As a child, I loved Peter Pan and often imagined myself in that world. This series allows us to explore that desire for magic and adventure, which resonates with everyone’s inner child.

Jackson Murphy: Michael, adapting your books into an animated series must have been a unique experience. Did you always envision this, and what intrigued you most about the process?

Michael Buckley: I wrote the first book about 20 years ago, and it was always in development. There were many attempts to adapt it, but often the understanding of the story was lacking. When Amy joined the project, she truly grasped its essence. While the series is filled with fairytales and adventure, at its core, it tells the story of a young girl navigating her place in the world, which can be challenging. We aimed to create a character who is complex and not always sweet, which is often overlooked in portrayals of young girls. Amy and the team at Apple were supportive in bringing this character to life, and I hope it offers a fresh perspective in children’s programming.

Jackson Murphy: The dynamic between Sabrina and Daphne is central to the show. Amy, how do you portray their relationship as they navigate Ferryport Landing?

Amy Higgins: Interestingly, I’m an only child, but I drew from my own experiences of loss and the importance of friendships during tough times. I lost both my parents shortly before we started the show, which influenced my portrayal of their bond. I always imagined having a sister, and I wanted to create a realistic relationship between the girls, where they challenge each other rather than just being best friends.

Jackson Murphy: The sisters are revealed to be descendants of The Brothers Grimm. Michael, did you want to explore the theme of legacy through this narrative?

Michael Buckley: Absolutely. Being the descendants of such iconic figures associated with timeless stories is a fascinating premise. However, in my series, The Brothers Grimm are depicted more as detectives than traditional storytellers. Historically, they collected tales from women in their community and later revised them for publication. This legacy impacts the girls significantly, especially with the challenges they face due to the decisions made by their ancestors.

Jackson Murphy: Amy, how did you decide which fairytale characters to include and when to introduce them throughout the series?

Amy Higgins: We aimed to stay true to the books, but adapting them for screen required some cuts and combinations of storylines. One standout character is Prince Charming, voiced by Abubakar Salim, who brings a mix of arrogance and heart to the role. The series unfolds over six episodes, gradually revealing the reality of the fairytale characters inhabiting this world.

Jackson Murphy: Michael, the visual representation of characters, including giants and monsters, adds a unique element to the show. How did you approach this aspect?

Michael Buckley: As an executive producer, I was often surprised by the visual elements. We aimed to make the show relatable to its audience, and each reveal felt like unwrapping a gift. Some changes were planned, while others were delightful surprises.

Jackson Murphy: Amy, bravery is a key theme in ‘The Sisters Grimm.’ How did you ensure this message resonates throughout the series?

Amy Higgins: That’s an important question. Coming out of the COVID pandemic, I wanted to tell a story about courage and the power to shape one’s own narrative. The series emphasizes that even in fear, we can choose our paths and trust others, even those we may perceive as having wronged us. This theme is central to Sabrina’s journey and her relationships with characters like Puck and Prince Charming.

Jackson Murphy: Ariel Winter voices Sabrina, and she has a strong background in voice acting. How did her involvement impact the project?

Michael Buckley: From the moment Ariel joined, it was clear she embodied Sabrina’s character perfectly. Her understanding of the character’s nuances and her experience made her an excellent fit. We also have a fantastic cast, including Lorraine Newman, a legendary figure from the original SNL cast, who voices the grandmother, adding a personal touch to the character.

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.