A planned musical adaptation of Neil Gaiman's classic novel, Coraline, has been officially canceled, with theater production partners citing the author's recent allegations of sexual misconduct as the central reason for this decision. The adaptation was originally slated to premiere at Leeds Playhouse from April 11 to May 11, 2025, and was also scheduled to tour cities including Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Manchester.
On January 30, 2025, the co-production partners, including Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and HOME Manchester, jointly announced the cancellation. "We have decided our production of Coraline – A Musical will not proceed. After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in the with the allegations against its original author," they stated.
Allegations against Neil Gaiman first surfaced publicly last July, sparked by reports from Tortoise Media and later expanded upon through extensive coverage, including claims from nine women detailing experiences of sexual misconduct. The cumulative stories have raised serious questions about Gaiman's conduct, resulting in significant fallout across the literary and entertainment industry.
The announcement of Coraline's cancellation adds to the growing list of Gaiman's projects being revised or halted altogether: the release of Good Omens' final season was abbreviated to merely 90 minutes, and adaptations, such as The Graveyard Book at Disney, have been put on hold entirely. Further, Dark Horse Comics, which had recently been publishing adaptations of Gaiman's works, canceled the remaining releases of Anansi Boys, based on his novel from 2005.
Gaiman responded to the allegations on his website where he categorically denied engaging in any non-consensual sexual activity. "I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever," he stated emphatically, maintaining his innocence against the rising tide of accusations. His response included reflections on what he described as distorted narratives surrounding some of the experiences being shared publicly.
Originally published as Coraline in 2002, the story follows the protagonist, Coraline, an eleven-year-old girl who encounters strange and eerie versions of her parents when she discovers a secret door leading to another world. The tale was later adapted for the screen as a beloved stop-motion animated film directed by Henry Selick, which found great success upon its release. It seems the musical adaptation was poised to capture the same dark charm.
Despite Gaiman's attempts to address the situation and assert his position, the theater companies involved felt they had no choice but to cancel the production due to the serious nature of the allegations and the associated controversy. The decision came after careful consideration of the current sentiment surrounding the author and the potential repercussions for their organizations.
Tickets purchased for the performances were reported to have been refunded directly to the holders via email, signaling the finality of the show's cancellation. The impact of these allegations has not only affected the current project's viability; it has brought Gaiman's storied career under scrutiny, with many questioning the future of other adaptations associated with him.
Fans of Gaiman's works and Coraline have expressed disappointment over the abrupt cancellation, reflecting on the rich storytelling tradition Gaiman has built over the years. Yet, as the situation continues to evolve, many artists and industry professionals are weighing the repercussions of standing by authors amid serious allegations.
Neil Gaiman now faces the challenge of separating his artistic legacy from the troubling narratives developing around him. For many, the central question lingers—how should the creative industry reckon with the allegations against influential figures like Gaiman? With the fallout from this controversy still fresh, opportunities for honest discourse seem necessary and awaited as the creative community moves forward cautiously.
While Coraline as a musical may never see the light of day, its narrative has reignited conversations about accountability within arts and literature. The echoes of this story reach our broader discussions about consent and the power dynamics often at play within creative relationships.