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Under Wraps

Under Wraps is a made-for-television directed by Greg Beeman, serving as the inaugural Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM). The story centers on three 12-year-old friends—, , and —who accidentally revive a 3,000-year-old named Harold in their neighbor's basement on Halloween and must help him reunite with his long-lost lover from ancient times while evading a pair of bumbling criminals intent on selling the on the . The film stars Mario Yedidia as Marshall, as Gilbert, as Amy, and in a as both the mummy Harold and Marshall's father, Ted. Supporting cast includes , , and as the antagonists. Written by Don Rhymer, Under Wraps premiered on on October 25, 1997, with a runtime of 95 minutes, blending family-friendly adventure, humor, and light horror elements suitable for a young audience. Produced by Mummy Entertainment and Hallmark Entertainment in association with , the movie draws inspiration from classic tales like in its portrayal of children's camaraderie and fantastical escapades on bicycles. It received a TV-G rating and has been noted for its nostalgic appeal as a Halloween-themed staple of children's programming, though it opens with a briefly intense scene involving the mummy's discovery. Reception has been generally positive among audiences, earning a 58% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 1,000 ratings, with praise for its lighthearted tone, memorable score, and the endearing performance of Fagerbakke as the gentle giant mummy. Critics, including a review from Common Sense Media, describe it as a "fun, silly romp" that captures youthful adventure but lacks deeper emotional depth. The film's legacy endures through home video releases, including DVD, and it inspired a loose remake in 2021 and its sequel in 2022, further cementing its place in Disney's family entertainment history.

Background

Overview

Under Wraps is a 1997 American made-for-television comedy film that holds the distinction of being the inaugural Original Movie (DCOM). Released on October 25, 1997, it marked the beginning of a that would produce over 100 original movies for the network. The film was directed by Greg Beeman and written by Don Rhymer. It was produced by Hallmark Entertainment and Mummy Entertainment. With a of 95 minutes and a TV-G rating, Under Wraps centers on three children who discover a and must keep it hidden from prying eyes. Principal filming took place in Chico, California. The movie was featured in Disney Channel's 2016 celebration of its 100 DCOMs, highlighting its foundational role in the series.

Development

The screenplay for Under Wraps was written by Don Rhymer, who crafted a comedic story centered on three children discovering and reviving an ancient mummy, drawing from classic monster movie tropes involving mummies while adapting them into a lighthearted, family-oriented narrative suitable for young audiences. Development of the film began in the mid-1990s as sought to launch its first original made-for-television , aiming to provide engaging, kid-friendly Halloween-themed content that introduced elements in a safe and silly manner without relying on scares. The project was greenlit to fill this niche, with emphasizing cost-effective production techniques, including practical effects for the mummy's resurrection sequences to keep expenses low. Producers, including , focused on tailoring Rhymer's script for the television format, navigating budget constraints typical of early Original Movies, which ranged from approximately $2 million to $4 million to ensure viability as accessible family programming. This adaptation prioritized straightforward storytelling and minimal alterations to the original script, which director Greg Beeman described as already "in great shape" during initial planning.

Production

Casting

The lead roles in Under Wraps were filled by young actors selected for their ability to convey the film's adventurous and relatable family comedy tone. Mario Yedidia was cast as , the adventurous protagonist. Adam Wylie portrayed Gilbert, the tech-savvy friend, chosen following chemistry reads that confirmed his dynamic with the other child leads. Clara Bryant played Amy, the brave girl in the group, selected for her sassy delivery that added sarcasm to the character's voice during callbacks. All three child actors were approximately 12 years old at the time, ensuring age-appropriate portrayals that resonated with the target young audience. Bill Fagerbakke took on the of , the friendly and childlike , and Ted, the clumsy neighbor. Fagerbakke was specifically chosen for his aptitude in , which suited the non-speaking mummy's expressive movements within the restrictive costume. The supporting included as Mr. Kubat, the film's antagonist, bringing his experience in authoritative villain roles. Ken Hudson Campbell was as , Kubat's henchman, leveraging his background in comedic television performances. Brief roles featured actors such as Paige as , contributing to the neighborhood ensemble.

Filming

Principal photography for Under Wraps took place in , utilizing various local sites to capture the film's suburban and adventurous atmosphere. Key locations included the Earll House for residential interiors and exteriors, Chico High School for educational scenes, and the Museum of Northern California Art for institutional settings. The production also incorporated the town's downtown area, such as the and a shuttered sugar mill repurposed as an factory, to evoke a small-town feel. The mummy character, , was brought to life through practical effects crafted by the KNB EFX Group and Flash Film Works. Actor underwent a daily application process lasting about one to three hours, involving a coated in and Plaster of Paris, layered with custom bandages, and topped with a latex mask featuring adjustable eye slits for expressive glimpses. Special techniques, including a with jagged patterns and smoke-diffused moving lights to simulate moonlight activation, enhanced the creature's eerie yet comedic presence. Fagerbakke's physical performance conveyed Harold's awkward, lumbering movements without relying on digital aids. Filming occurred over a condensed summer schedule in 1997, spanning several weeks to meet the television production timeline. Crews shot primarily in August, taking advantage of long days but facing constraints from short summer nights that delayed full darkness until approximately 9:00 PM. Night shoots were essential for tension-building sequences like the mummy's , often employing day-for-night techniques for interiors and wrapping child actors by a curfew mandated by labor regulations. Production faced logistical hurdles, particularly with coordinating the young cast's limited hours and ensuring safety during action-oriented scenes. The summer heat in exacerbated discomfort for Fagerbakke in his restrictive costume, necessitating cooling measures like an ice water vest for exterior shots. Stunt coordination proved challenging, as young lead performed several physically demanding sequences himself—including driving a a short distance and falling through a window—after a stunt double's costume malfunction. Beeman emphasized building emotional rapport among the inexperienced child actors to capture authentic performances in single takes, while managing extras and atmospheric elements like fairy lights for the Halloween dance over multiple nights.

Content

Plot

During a sleepover at the home of their recently deceased neighbor, three 12-year-old friends—Marshall, , and —discover a 3,000-year-old wrapped in bandages in the . Curious and adventurous, the children accidentally revive the when streams through a window, bringing him to life as a gentle but clumsy creature they name . Initially frightened, they quickly befriend him after realizing he means no harm, though his awkward movements and inability to speak clearly lead to humorous mishaps. As Halloween approaches, the kids struggle to keep hidden from their parents and skeptical while learning about his tragic past: he was buried alive without his beloved, another , and must be reunited with her on Halloween, or he will disintegrate forever. Their efforts are complicated by the return of Mr. Kubat, the neighbor who faked his death to evade taxes and was secretly trafficking ancient artifacts, including , for black-market sale. Kubat, now pursuing the children with his henchmen, triggers a series of comedic chases through town, including narrow escapes at a and a , as the group dodges detection and protects their new friend. In the climax, the children infiltrate Kubat's hideout to rescue , who has been recaptured, using clever distractions and the power of a magical amulet from 's to locate and briefly revive his long-lost . With reunited with his beloved in a touching moment, the group outwits Kubat, leading to his arrest by authorities. In the resolution, bids farewell to his young friends and returns to his just before the deadline, ensuring his eternal peace with his . The experience strengthens the bond between , , and , teaching them valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the thrill of adventure.

Cast and characters

The principal characters in Under Wraps revolve around a trio of adventurous preteens who uncover an ancient Egyptian mummy, each contributing distinct traits to their collective efforts to protect him amid personal struggles and threats. serves as the curious and brave leader of the group, a movie aficionado whose enthusiasm for the drives the initial discovery. He grapples with family tensions stemming from his parents' divorce, which leaves him conflicted about his mother's boyfriend, , and prompts him to seek solace in unlikely friendships. Complementing Marshall is Gilbert, his loyal and nerdy , characterized by a cautious demeanor and preference for lighter fare over scares, yet he provides technical ingenuity and to aid the group's problem-solving. Amy rounds out the core trio as the practical and compassionate , offering level-headed guidance and forming an emotional anchor for the group, particularly in nurturing bonds with their companion. Harold, the 3,000-year-old mummy at the story's center, embodies gentleness and naivety as an awkward yet harmless figure—a former cursed after a forbidden romance—who instinctively pursues clues to his obscured past, his innocent vulnerability standing in stark contrast to the clumsy, unremarkable neighbor . Antagonizing the friends is Mr. Kubat, a grumpy and sinister who feigns his death to evade consequences and pursues illicit gains through black-market artifact trafficking, viewing the mummy and its as prime opportunities for profit.

Distribution

Premiere and broadcast

Under Wraps premiered on on October 25, 1997, as the network's first official original movie and a dedicated Halloween special, airing twice that evening at 7:00 p.m. and 10:20 p.m. ET. Promotional efforts positioned the film as a fun, family-friendly monster comedy, with trailers focusing on the youthful adventure and humorous escapades of the child characters discovering and protecting a revived . The marketing aligned with 's strategy for early original programming, targeting young viewers with lighthearted supernatural themes suitable for the holiday season. Internationally, the film began airing on in and in , expanding its reach to global audiences through localized broadcasts. For example, it had a pay TV premiere in on February 7, 1999.

Home media

Following its initial broadcast, Under Wraps saw limited home media availability until . The film received its first widespread physical home media release on DVD in from Echo Bridge Entertainment under a non- , presented in a basic format without bonus extras or commentary tracks. This edition, running approximately 95 minutes, made the movie accessible to collectors but was criticized for its lack of additional content compared to later Disney re-releases of similar titles. As of 2025, the film is largely unavailable on major streaming platforms, including Disney+, owing to ongoing rights complications stemming from its original production partnership with Hallmark Entertainment. Physical copies, particularly the Echo Bridge DVD, can still be found through secondary markets like online retailers.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release, Under Wraps was praised by audiences for its lighthearted, kid-friendly scares and humorous adventure, often compared to classics like E.T. for its youthful energy and ensemble charm. Reviewers noted the snappy dialogue and strong performances from the young cast, though some highlighted a predictable plot and occasional cheesiness in the resolution. Aggregate scores reflect this mixed but positive audience response. On , the film holds a 6.5/10 rating based on over 3,700 user votes. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 58% audience score from over 1,000 ratings, as of November 2025, with no Tomatometer score available due to its status as a made-for-TV movie. awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, commending the silly humor and family-friendly tone while cautioning parents about the intense opening scene involving implied violence. Retrospectively, the cast and director have reflected on the film's enduring appeal in a 2022 People magazine interview marking the 25th anniversary of Disney Channel Original Movies. Actor described it as a "wonderful film that... sparked a bunch of more creative films from the " and a staple of childhood Halloweens. Co-star emphasized its legacy as part of "annual traditions" and "kids' happy memories from their childhood." Director Gregory Beeman called the long-term impact "pretty wonderful," noting how it became "very important to somebody" years later.

Cultural impact

Under Wraps (1997) holds a pivotal place in history as the inaugural (DCOM), premiering on October 25, 1997, and setting the standard for over 100 subsequent productions that blend tween adventure with light-hearted horror elements. This format, featuring young protagonists navigating supernatural mishaps in a manner, became a cornerstone of Disney's programming strategy, influencing a wave of Halloween-themed films like Halloweentown and . By introducing accessible spooky narratives tailored for children and preteens, the movie helped establish DCOMs as a reliable draw for seasonal viewership, contributing to the franchise's evolution into a cultural phenomenon that spanned more than two decades. The film's enduring nostalgia is evident in its inclusion in Disney Channel's 2016 marathon celebrating the 100th DCOM, where it aired alongside other classics to evoke childhood memories for millennial audiences. In 2022, the original cast reunited for a feature in People magazine marking the 25th anniversary of DCOMs, highlighting the project's lasting fan devotion and its role in shaping generational viewing habits. Early broadcasts, which drew approximately 3.6 million viewers in the week following its premiere, solidified Under Wraps as part of Halloween traditions, often replayed during the season to introduce young viewers to monster-themed stories in a non-threatening way. While official merchandise was limited, reflecting the era's modest marketing for early DCOMs, inspired creations such as artwork and apparel, alongside its frequent placement in rankings of Disney's spooky output. Publications have noted its influence as a "gateway to " for , fostering appreciation for monster movies through its humorous take on and friendship amid frights, which echoed in later Disney Halloween programming.

Remakes and sequels

In 2021, Disney Channel produced a remake of Under Wraps, directed by Alex Zamm and written by Zamm and William Robertson, based on the original screenplay by Don Rhymer. The film stars Malachi Barton as Marshall, Christian J. Simon as Gilbert, Sophia Hammons as Amy, and Phil Wright as the mummy Harold. It premiered on October 1, 2021, on Disney Channel, with streaming availability on Disney+ beginning October 8. Updated for a contemporary audience, the remake features a more diverse cast reflecting modern family dynamics and incorporates advanced technology elements, such as references to social media, while retaining the core story of three friends protecting a revived mummy. Production took place in Vancouver, Canada, under MarVista Entertainment. The remake received a direct sequel, , also directed by but written by Josh A. Cagan. It brings back the principal cast, including Barton, , Hammons, and , as the friends reunite for a and confront a new threat: the vengeful mummy , who seeks to reclaim his long-lost love, . The film premiered on September 25, 2022, on , followed by Disney+ on September 30. It includes a by , who played in the 1997 original, as the character Beuller. Unlike a continuation of the 1997 film, the builds exclusively on the 2021 remake's and characters.

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