Sesame Workshop's CHARLOTTE'S WEB Series Hires Luke Matheny as Head Writer

Luke Matheny, the director behind Apple TV+’s Ghostwriter, has been hired by Sesame Workshop to be the head writer and executive producer on HBO Max’s series remake of Charlotte’s Web.

This series is based on the classic novel by E.B. White, which tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur’s life is in danger, Charlotte weaves messages in her web praising Wilbur in order to drum up public support and persuade the farmer to let him live.

This was one of my favorite books as a young kid and there have been two previous film adaptations with the 1973 Hanna-Barbera produced animated film and the 2006 movie starring Dakota Fanning and Julia Roberts.

Charlotte’s Web is one of many projects that Sesame Workshop and WarnerMedia are looking to develop for kids and families. They are also working on Sesame Street Mecha Builders, Bea’s Block and The Nutcracker. There’s also more to come.

Sesame Workshop has also hired Heather Alexander as a book and literary scout to identify and analyze children’s books and other content for potential development. Kay Wilson Stallings, EVP, Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop said in a statement:

“For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has been weaving stories that center memorable characters and diverse, compelling voices. Stories can forge powerful connections with kids and families – where better to start than with a faithful retelling of one of the most beloved children’s novels of all time?”

Martha White, who manages her grandfather’s literary estate for the family, added, “Sesame Workshop outlined a very promising series of episodes for this project and we are eager to see their creative talents paired with E.B. White’s timeless story.”

The series is set to start production next month and will air on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2024.