Goosebumps: The Vanishing star Jayden Bartels takes the lead in Disney+ and Hulu’s breathtaking second season of the hit horror show based on the iconic books by RL Stine.
Formerly best known for starring in Disney Channel’s Coop & Cami Ask the World and Nickelodeon’s Side Hustle, she has since shot to fame with her music on TikTok and now takes on her most daring project yet.
Starring alongside Friends icon David Schwimmer, Bartels portrays Cece in the new Young Adult supernatural thriller, which returns this week for fresh scares in a whole new supernatural mystery.
Bartels really gets the chance to shine in episode four, which thrillingly melds Cece’s battles with anxiety and the pressure to succeed with a gruesome new Goosebumps threat.
Jayden confirmed the episode struck a chord with her in an exclusive chat with Screen Time, explaining: “Even just as a person I know what it’s like to be Cece and feel the weight of the world and feel like it doesn’t matter what you do, it only matters if you win and succeed and are perfect and 100 percent A+.
The thrilling Goosebumps books are coming to life once again -Credit:DISNEY
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“So, diving deep into showing that and being vulnerable with that and showing what it’s like for a human to realise their self-worth doesn’t come from anything outside of themselves was really an honour, honestly.”
Previewing the episode’s timely themes, Bartels added: “I think Cece is going to touch so many people’s hearts.
“Because she is really just trying her best, which sounds cliche but it’s beautiful to watch her going from putting so much pressure on herself to letting herself breathe for once.”
Another aspect of the show many young viewers will relate to is undoubtedly the pitch perfect representation of Cece’s relationship with her twin brother Devin (played by Sam McCarthy).
Jayden Bartels gets the chance to shine in episode four -Credit:DISNEY
Much like real siblings, the stars admitted they would “bicker” with each other a lot on set despite quickly forming a close bond.
“We both have very different lives and very different ways of thinking and doing things, but we understand each other and we get each other,” Bartels explained. “We may disagree, but we do understand. It just played into Cece and Devin.
“We were both so excited and open to this role that the energy… there were no walls or blocking. We came in so happy to be there that it was just such a comfortable place. Also, we didn’t stress about it, we just went in.
“There would be a couple of times where Rob [Letterman], our creator, would be like, ‘You guys are literally bickering like twins right now’, he would catch us. We would bicker about, like acting techniques, all the time.”
Friends icon David Schwimmer joins in on the action -Credit:DISNEY
McCarthy chimed in: “Acting techniques, lifestyle, professional choices…”
“Thoughts, you, me, who we are!” Bartels laughed. “Also, I would go to him for advice, there were many long talks.”
Her co-star added: “I think we gained a lot from each other as well and doing this job. It’s like, ‘You’re wrong about that!’”
And Bartels continued: “But secretly you’re like, ‘Hmm, you might be right!’ That’s literally how it is.”
The beloved horror novels come to life once again with hair-raising scares and a generous helping of heart, so thrill-seekers won’t want to miss out on one of the first new streaming gems for 2025.
Goosebumps: The Vanishing premieres Friday, January 10 on Disney+.