After Martin Short’s 2008 The Spiderwick Chronicles, the novel by the same name, by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black got adapted once again in the form of a TV series. Starring Jack Dylan Grazer, the recently released Spiderwick show became the talk of the town when the show’s Thimbletack actor Grazer shared his take on his performance.
Comparing his role as Thimbletack in the 2024 show to Martin Short’s role in the 2008 The Spiderwick Chronicles, Jack Dylan Grazer claimed to be a fan of the actor. Claiming that he prefers Short’s version better, Grazer expressed his admiration for Short.
The Spiderwick Chronicles is Back on Screen as a TV Show
Following the storyline of the New York Times bestselling series The Spiderwick Chronicles from Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, Mark Waters initially helmed a film by the same name in 2008. Starring the likes of Freddie Highmore, Seth Rogen, and Martin Short, the movie turned into a popular choice for young audiences, worldwide.
Recently, Roku Channel adapted Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s book once again, as they came up with a 2024 series The Spiderwick Chronicles, starring Lyon Daniels, Christian Slater, and Jack Dylan Grazer in pivotal roles.
This time, the show is being executive produced by the original authors of the story as they take some liberties to update the books for television.
Initially, The Spiderwick Chronicles show was set to be produced by Disney+, until they decided to no longer move forward with it. Eventually, as per CinemaBlend, Roku rescued the series from getting shelved or fading into oblivion. Thereafter, the show was released on April 19 on the streamer, for binge-watch.
Jack Dylan Grazer Admitted Being a Fan of Martin Short’s Thimbletack
Following the release of the latest The Spiderwick Chronicles adaptation, Jack Dylan Grazer who plays Thimbletack spoke about his character in comparison to the 2008 version. Being modest about his role, the actor began comparing his Thimbletack with that of Martin Short’s version.
“Yeah, I did. And I love the movie. I love Martin Short. I think I liked his better, honestly. But, apparently some people like mine better, so it’s a tossup. I don’t know.”
Claiming to be a fan of Martin Short’s work, Jack Dylan Grazer noted how he tried taking inspiration from the 2008 version. However, according to the actor, every time he tried his little risky experiments with the character, he got shut down by the showrunners, for they wanted authenticity in his performance.
“I love Martin Short, but I tried going in there and doing sort of that thing, like a more groggily, kind of a critter sort of voice. And they were like, no, he is a teenager. I went in there doing a pirate leprechaun thing and they’re like, no, don’t do this. Except for maybe some of my growly stuff, which is my specialty. Just doing all sorts of little [growls].”
Martin Short is undoubtedly a national treasure when it comes to the world of comedy, so obviously it’s rather difficult to follow when it comes to reimagining the role he played.
But although Jack Dylan Grazer tried following Short’s works, he didn’t have to, because the series decided to make Thimbletack a teenager.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2024) is available on Roku.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) is available on Paramount+.
