Disney+'s next big supernatural bet, the witchy series Coven Academy, has officially completed filming its debut season. The news comes from its star, rising actress Ora Duplass, who shared the exciting update while promoting her own film at the SXSW festival.
A Dream Role Realized
For Ora Duplass, landing a lead role in Coven Academy was an "out-of-body" experience. The actress, daughter of filmmakers Mark Duplass and Katie Aselton, admitted she never expected to hear back after her initial audition tape. "You get that audition and you're like, 'Yeah, I'll send in a tape, but they're never gonna watch it,'" she recalled. The casting process, however, was far from over.
Described by her parents as "rigorous" and "classic Old Hollywood," Duplass endured a staggering seven auditions for the Disney+ project. The role shifted multiple times during the process, a detail her mother noted was due to producers liking her for different parts. Duplass understood the lengthy search, explaining, "Because the show is based off of a trio of witches." Finding the perfect magical trio was paramount.
The Magical Chemistry Test
The final hurdle was a nerve-wracking screen test at the Disney offices. "I'm like 17, driving myself there, freaking out," Duplass said. Upon arrival, she found a room full of actors who looked similar to her, a surreal moment in the competitive world of Hollywood casting. The chemistry read ended with a unique request: the potential witches were asked to "smush" their faces together for a photo.
Weeks later, while getting ready for her boyfriend's junior prom, Duplass received the life-changing call that she had booked the part. "I don't think my face has ever gotten that red. I was so happy," she said, marking the beginning of her journey into the world of Coven Academy.
Building a Supernatural Family
The payoff for the intense casting was immediate. Shooting the pilot last June in Vancouver, Duplass found exactly what she had been looking for in a project. "I told my mom a month before I booked this what my dream role would be is an ensemble cast with people around my age," she revealed. "That's fully what I booked." She now refers to her co-stars—including Malina Pauli Weissman (A Series of Unfortunate Events), Tiffani Thiessen (Saved by the Bell), and Malachi Barton (Under Wraps)—as her family.
Duplass is brimming with enthusiasm for the show's tone, describing it as "YA, witchy, romantic, spooky." She boldly calls it "the grittiest thing that Disney has done for the YA genre," suggesting it will bridge the gap between the studio's classic family fare and content for an older audience. The series follows a group of teenage witches who must spring into action when their town comes under a mysterious threat.
Cameras Stop Rolling, Hype Begins
The biggest news came as a casual reveal: production on the first season is finished. "I just got back a week ago. We wrapped a week ago," Duplass confirmed. With filming complete, the series now moves into post-production, bringing its magical tale of teenage witchcraft one step closer to streaming screens.
While Disney+ has not announced an official release date, the completion of filming is a major milestone. The show enters a streaming landscape hungry for fresh supernatural stories, potentially filling a void for fans of the genre. As fans await a trailer and release date, the heartfelt endorsement from its young star promises a series built on genuine chemistry and dark, enchanting fun. For more on how major studios are changing their production styles, check out our exclusive on how 'Ahsoka' Season 2 is taking filming outdoors.
The announcement also highlights the continuing trend of legacy networks and streamers investing in supernatural ensembles, a space where shows like 'Mayfair Witches' continue to find success. With its cast locked in and filming wrapped, Coven Academy is poised to be one of Disney+'s most anticipated new original series later this year.
