The whispers are growing louder, and the magical world of Disney+ is about to get a powerful new addition. Disney Branded Television has officially unveiled the exciting New Coven series on Disney+, offering a first look at the Coven Academy cast, characters, and creative team that will bring this supernatural dramedy to life. If you're a fan of YA magic, compelling mysteries, and coming-of-age tales with a twist, you'll want to pay close attention to this enchanting new project.
Set to premiere in 2026, Coven Academy promises a fresh take on the witch genre, rooted in the rich, mystical backdrop of New Orleans. With a visionary creator at the helm and a talented ensemble ready to conjure some serious on-screen magic, this series is already sparking considerable buzz.
At a Glance: What You Need to Know About Coven Academy
- Series Title: Coven Academy
- Genre: Single-camera supernatural dramedy
- Premiere: 2026 on Disney+ and Disney Channel
- Setting: Mystical New Orleans
- Premise: Three teenage witches-in-training, bound by destiny, must protect their city from ancient forces while navigating adolescence.
- Creator: Tim Federle (known for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
- Key Cast: Malina Pauli Weissman as Briar, Tiffani Thiessen as Miss Graves, Malachi Barton as Jake, Louis Thresher as Ollie, Jordan Leftwich as Sasha, and Ora Duplass as Tegan.
Setting the Scene: A New Kind of Magic for Disney+
Disney has a storied history with magic, but Coven Academy feels distinctly modern. From Tim Federle, the creative force behind the hit High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, comes a show he describes as "a love letter to the genre YA shows" he grew up on. This isn't just another teen drama; it's a supernatural dramedy that blends the laughs and heartbreaks of growing up with the high stakes of guarding an ancient city.
Imagine a world where destiny is literally etched into your teenage years, where mastering volatile magic is as challenging as navigating first crushes, and where ancient evils lurk in the shadows of one of America's most enchanting cities. That's the promise of Coven Academy. It’s a show designed to resonate with those who crave mystery, powerful friendships, and a touch of the extraordinary in their everyday.
The choice of New Orleans as the setting isn't just cosmetic; it's foundational. The city’s deep cultural roots, its reputation for mysticism, and its vibrant, unique atmosphere make it the perfect stage for a coven of young witches. Expect the city itself to be as much a character as the human (and magical) inhabitants.
Meet the Coven: Unpacking the Lead Characters and Their Actors
At the heart of Coven Academy are three teenage witches-in-training, destined to be the guardians of New Orleans. Their journey will involve unraveling dark secrets, honing their magical abilities, facing formidable rivals, and forging the kind of deep bonds that define adolescence. Let's delve into who these pivotal characters are and the talents bringing them to life.
Briar (Malina Pauli Weissman): The Destined Leader?
Malina Pauli Weissman steps into the role of Briar, one of the central figures in the destined trio. While specific character details about Briar are still under wraps, her position within the core group suggests she might be a natural leader or perhaps the one grappling most directly with the weight of their collective destiny. Weissman is no stranger to complex, layered roles; she's known for her work as Violet Baudelaire in Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events and as young April O'Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Her experience portraying intelligent, resourceful characters who often find themselves in extraordinary circumstances makes her an exciting choice for a young witch facing ancient forces. We can anticipate Briar to be a character of depth, perhaps carrying the burden of prophecy or struggling to balance immense power with everyday teenage life.
Tegan (Ora Duplass): The Enigmatic Newcomer?
Ora Duplass takes on the character of Tegan, rounding out the magical trio. Given the "trio" setup, Tegan might represent a different facet of the coven's power or personality. Could she be the more rebellious spirit, the quiet observer, or the one with a unique connection to the mystical energies of New Orleans? Duplass is an emerging talent, and Coven Academy offers a significant platform for her. Her casting suggests a fresh face ready to embody the complexities and wonders of discovering one's magical lineage. We might see Tegan as the character who introduces a different perspective or challenges the established norms within the academy, driving both conflict and growth.
Sasha (Jordan Leftwich): The Unsung Hero?
Jordan Leftwich is cast as Sasha, the third member of the powerful witch trio. In many mythical narratives, the "third" figure often holds unexpected strengths or a pivotal role that is not immediately apparent. Sasha could be the grounded one, the magical innovator, or the quiet strength that holds the coven together. Leftwich’s involvement marks an exciting step in their career. The dynamic between Briar, Tegan, and Sasha will be crucial to the series' success, and Sasha's character will likely explore themes of loyalty, self-discovery, and the unique challenges of being part of a prophesied group. We anticipate Sasha to bring a distinct energy to the coven, contributing an essential piece to their collective power.
A Quick Look at the Core Trio
| Character | Actor | Potential Role Archetype | Key Experience (Suggestive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briar | Malina Pauli Weissman | The Leader, The Burdened | A Series of Unfortunate Events, TMNT |
| Sasha | Jordan Leftwich | The Heart, The Grounded, The Innovator | Emerging Talent |
| Tegan | Ora Duplass | The Rebel, The Intuitive, The Mysterious | Emerging Talent |
Beyond the Trio: Supporting Roles That Shape the Story
A coven isn't just about the primary witches; it's about the entire ecosystem of friends, rivals, mentors, and hidden figures who populate their world. Coven Academy introduces an intriguing mix of supporting characters who are sure to add layers of intrigue, mentorship, and even a bit of romantic tension to the narrative.
Miss Graves (Tiffani Thiessen): Mentor or Mysterious Figure?
Tiffani Thiessen joins the cast as Miss Graves, a name that immediately evokes a sense of both solemnity and potential intrigue. Thiessen is a veteran actress, iconic for her roles in Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210, and more recently, in Alexa & Katie. Her presence brings significant star power and experience to the series.
In a show about a magical academy, a "Miss Graves" could be anything from a wise, nurturing mentor figure to a stern, enigmatic headmistress, or even someone with a hidden agenda tied to the ancient forces the witches must combat. Given Federle's "love letter to YA genre shows" pitch, Thiessen's character might lean into classic tropes of the powerful, slightly mysterious magical teacher, offering guidance while perhaps holding back crucial secrets. Her ability to portray both warmth and underlying seriousness will undoubtedly make Miss Graves a compelling character.
Jake (Malachi Barton) & Ollie (Louis Thresher): Friends, Rivals, or Both?
Malachi Barton is cast as Jake, and Louis Thresher as Ollie. In a coming-of-age story, especially one set in an academy, these characters often fill essential roles as confidantes, love interests, or even rivals who push the protagonists to grow.
Malachi Barton is a familiar face to Disney audiences, having starred in Villains of Valley View and Bunk'd, bringing a youthful energy and comedic timing that could make Jake a charming and relatable presence. Ollie, portrayed by Louis Thresher, could be his foil, his partner in mischief, or a surprising ally.
Their dynamic with the central trio will be key. Will Jake and Ollie be magical themselves, or human outsiders drawn into the witches' world? Are they fellow students at Coven Academy, classmates at a regular high school, or perhaps even rival magic users? The possibilities are endless, and their relationships are sure to contribute to the "heartbreaks and deep bonds of growing up" that Federle promises.
Recurring Guest Stars: Adding Depth to New Orleans' Magical World
The richness of any fantastical world often lies in its recurring characters, who flesh out the landscape and add layers to the primary conflicts. Coven Academy will feature several intriguing guest stars:
- Brendon Tremblay as Alexander: This character could be a rival, a love interest, or someone connected to the ancient forces. Tremblay's potential to bring intensity or charm will be vital.
- Swayam Bhatia as McKenna: McKenna might be a loyal friend, a fellow witch, or someone who provides comic relief amidst the supernatural drama. Bhatia's talent for relatable youth roles could shine here.
- Keegan Connor Tracy as Tamora: Tracy is a seasoned actress with credits in shows like Once Upon a Time and Bates Motel, often playing complex, morally ambiguous roles. Her presence as Tamora strongly suggests a character with significant history or power, possibly an elder witch, a villain, or a mysterious figure with a pivotal role in the larger mythology of New Orleans.
The Masterminds Behind the Magic: Creative Team Overview
A compelling cast is only half the equation; the visionaries steering the ship are just as critical. The creative team behind Coven Academy brings a wealth of experience in crafting engaging, youth-focused narratives that resonate with a broad audience.
Tim Federle: The Visionary Architect
At the helm of Coven Academy is Tim Federle, a name synonymous with Disney Branded Television's recent successes. Federle wrote, directed, and executive produced the pilot for Coven Academy, and he continues as an executive producer for the series. His previous work as the creator and showrunner of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS) demonstrates his profound understanding of the young adult demographic, blending humor, heart, and authentic emotional storytelling with musical flair.
Federle's pitch for Coven Academy as "a love letter to the genre YA shows" he grew up on speaks volumes about his approach. It suggests a show that will not only embrace the beloved tropes of supernatural teen dramas but also infuse them with a fresh perspective, perhaps a dash of self-aware humor, and the genuine emotional depth seen in HSMTMTS. His proven track record of creating characters that feel real and relatable, even in heightened situations, bodes incredibly well for the witches of New Orleans.
Under his renewed overall deal with Disney Branded Television, Federle's creative plate is full, underscoring Disney's confidence in his vision:
- Executive Producer for "Vampirina: Teenage Vampire."
- Director for a "Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion" sequel.
- Writer for a stage musical adaptation of "The Greatest Showman."
This diverse portfolio highlights his versatility and deep commitment to storytelling across various formats, making him an ideal leader for Coven Academy.
The Executive Producers: Kimberly McCullough & Bronwyn North-Reist
Joining Federle as executive producers for Coven Academy are Kimberly McCullough and Bronwyn North-Reist.
- Kimberly McCullough brings a rich background to the team. Known for her acting career (most notably on General Hospital) and her extensive work behind the camera as a director for various television series, including episodes of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Pretty Little Liars, and Roswell, New Mexico. Her experience in both performance and direction, especially within the teen drama and supernatural genres, makes her an invaluable asset in shaping the show's narrative and visual style.
- Bronwyn North-Reist serves as Federle's head of creative at Chorus Boy Productions, a testament to her close collaboration and shared vision with the showrunner. Her role ensures creative consistency and helps translate Federle's overarching vision into the day-to-day production. This partnership suggests a cohesive and focused creative direction for Coven Academy, benefiting from a trusted working relationship.
Together, this executive producing team brings a blend of creative vision, directorial expertise, and production leadership that is essential for launching a series of this ambition.
Why "Coven Academy" Matters: Genre, Themes, and Audience
Coven Academy isn't just another show; it's a strategic move by Disney Branded Television to tap into a highly popular and ever-evolving genre. Here's why this series is poised to make a significant impact:
- Embracing the YA Supernatural Craze: From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, audiences, particularly young adults, have consistently gravitated towards stories of magic, destiny, and hidden worlds. Federle's explicit "love letter to the genre YA shows" promises a deep understanding and respectful homage to these beloved predecessors, while likely adding a contemporary Disney twist.
- The "Dramedy" Balance: The "supernatural dramedy" label is crucial. It signifies a show that won't shy away from serious themes and high-stakes magical conflicts but will also ground these with humor, relatable teenage angst, and heartfelt emotional arcs. This balance is key to creating a show that is both entertaining and meaningful.
- New Orleans as a Character: As mentioned, the setting is vital. New Orleans, with its unique blend of history, folklore, music, and diverse cultures, provides an unparalleled atmosphere for a story about witches. It lends authenticity and a sense of mystique that a generic setting simply couldn't achieve. This choice will allow for rich visual storytelling and cultural integration into the magical lore.
- Themes of Destiny and Choice: The premise – a trio "bound by destiny to guard their city" – immediately sets up compelling themes. How do teenagers grapple with such a monumental responsibility? Can destiny be altered, or is it an unshakeable path? These questions will resonate deeply with young viewers navigating their own paths and choices.
- Relatability Amidst Magic: Despite the magic, the core experiences of "facing rivals" and "navigating the heartbreaks and deep bonds of growing up" ensure the show remains universally relatable. It’s about finding your place, understanding your power (both magical and personal), and the enduring strength of friendship.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from This Magical Debut
As Coven Academy gears up for its 2026 premiere on both Disney+ and Disney Channel, the anticipation is palpable. This dual-platform release strategy speaks to Disney's intent to make the series widely accessible, catering to both traditional linear television viewers and streaming subscribers.
Expect Disney to slowly roll out more details as production progresses. This includes further character descriptions, sneak peeks at the magical effects, and perhaps even glimpses of the unique New Orleans locations that will serve as the backdrop for the series. Given Tim Federle's track record, expect a show that is visually engaging, narratively compelling, and emotionally resonant. It will likely feature a contemporary soundtrack, vibrant aesthetics, and a blend of humor and genuine heart that has become his signature.
Keep an eye out for how Coven Academy will explore the balance between the ancient, dangerous forces threatening New Orleans and the everyday challenges of its teenage protagonists. Will they attend a traditional school while secretly honing their powers, or will the "Academy" itself be a hidden institution? These are the exciting questions that will fuel fan speculation until the show finally arrives.
Your Guide to the Enchanting World of Coven Academy
The unveiling of the New Coven Series Cast, Characters & Creative Team signals the dawn of a captivating new era for Disney's magical content. Coven Academy promises to be a series that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with themes of identity, destiny, and the power of chosen family. With Tim Federle's proven ability to craft engaging YA narratives, a talented cast ready to embody complex characters, and a rich, mystical setting, all the ingredients are in place for a truly enchanting experience.
As we eagerly await 2026, keep an eye on Disney's official channels for further updates. This isn't just another show about witches; it's a story poised to become a new cornerstone in the YA supernatural genre, celebrating both the extraordinary and the intensely human aspects of growing up. Get ready to be spellbound.