NETFLIX axed the hit musical comedy-drama Julie and the Phantoms after just one season, but now it’s rumoured to be returning four years later.
The show, which has been dubbed “a masterpiece” by fans, has a 93% critical consensus and 98% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although it was still cancelled by the streamer.
Julie and the Phantoms follows the titular character Julie, played by Madison Reyes. When the series begins, Julie is struggling with her mum’s recent death and has lost her passion for music.
However, when she forms a band with three teen ghosts Luke, Alex, and Reggie (Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, and Jeremy Shada) who have mysteriously appeared in her life, it helps reignite her love of music.
Alongside Madison, Owen and Jeremy, Julie and the Phantoms stars Jadah Marie as Julie’s best friend Flynn, Sacha Carlson as Julie’s former love interest Nick, Savannah May as Julie’s nemesis Carrie, Cheyenne Jackson as Caleb, Carlos Ponce as Ray, and Booboo Stewart as Willie.
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The series was executive produced by American filmmaker Kenny Ortega who helmed movies like High School Musical and Disney Channel’s Descendants franchise.
Julie and the Phantoms debuted on Netflix in 2020 and it was a labour of love for Kenny and his co-creators.
“From the very time we pitched this for Netflix, it was never just a series. I see this as a series that has an album, that is a band that can tour, and that can take on a multitude of lives,” he told Entertainment Weekly.
“We’ve worked so hard to make that real. I can’t tell you how much love and effort we’ve put into this,” Kenny added.
Julie and the Phantoms was cancelled in 2021
Julie and the Phantoms quickly developed a devoted fan base who were keen to see the series continue. However, in December 2021, after months of uncertainty, Netflix confirmed it would not be bringing back the show.
This was a major blow for fans of the critically acclaimed show which claimed three Daytime Emmy Awards and was nominated for 10 more.
The ending of Julie and the Phantoms’ first season was bittersweet and star Madison hoped for another season to really delve into some of the characters.
She told Collider: “The thing I’m hoping for, if we get a Season 2, is learning more about Alex and Reggie. Their characters are just so sweet and cute, and I just feel like I definitely want to learn more about their backgrounds.
“We touched upon on Luke’s, and we know a little about how Julie and her mom’s relationship was. I just want to expand more on the characters,” Madison said before the series was cancelled.
Julie and the Phantoms could be saved
Despite the fact that four years have passed, the popularity of Julie and the Phantoms has not wavered.
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More than 330,000 fans have signed a petition to bring the show back.
Director Kenny has also been keeping the show alive, regularly sharing behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram.
Alongside one post, he wrote: “Only the best of memories are connected to the extraordinary experience of working with this cast. You are all the best souls and rocked our days together with the ebullient spirit, trust, and talent. Love you all!!! Fantoms Forever!”
In 2019, Kenny left Disney Channel and signed an overall deal with Netflix, which led to Julie and the Phantoms. However, now that that deal is not in place, he could be free to shop the show around to other streamers and networks, meaning it could finally return for a second season — and fans definitely want this to happen.
All the speculation online made Madison chime in on the show’s possible return, too.
“You guys are making me believe Julie and the Phantoms is for real coming back lol,” she teased on X, formerly Twitter.
Other cast members, including Savannah Lee May and Jadah Marie, have also added further fuel to the fire in TikTok videos about the show.
What could happen in Season 2?
Prior to the show’s cancellation, executive producers David Hoge and Dan Cross told TVLine their plans for Julie and the Phantoms season 2. “If we are lucky enough to get a second season, the ghosts would have a lot going on,” they teased.
“They’ve always wanted to get their music out there for the world to hear. Like Luke always says, they want that connection with their audience. A number one album? Song at the top of the charts? Whatever it takes to be remembered for their music.
“But as you saw at the very end, there are still plenty of obstacles to get in their way. And now it seems there’s an ‘obstacle’ in the inner circle.”
Fans have got their fingers crossed that season 2 is really happening.
Julie and the Phantoms is available to stream on Netflix.
