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| Avalon High | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Genre | Drama Mystery Fantasy Teen |
| Based on | Avalon High byMeg Cabot |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by | Stuart Gillard |
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer | Robert Duncan |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Howard Braunstein Michael Jaffe |
| Producers | Janine Dickins Stuart Gillard |
| Cinematography | Thomas Burstyn |
| Editor | James R. Symons |
| Running time | 90 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Disney Channel |
| Release | November 12, 2010 (2010-11-12) |
Avalon High is a 2010 Americanfantasytelevision film, aDisney Channel Original Movie, and a loose adaptation ofMeg Cabot’s2005 novel of the same name. Directed byStuart Gillard, the film starsBritt Robertson as Allie Pennington, ahigh school student who discovers she may be the reincarnation of a legendary figure from Arthurian myth. The cast also includesGregg Sulkin,Joey Pollari,Devon Graye, andMolly C. Quinn.
The second Disney Channel Original Movie directed by Gillard afterTwitches Too (2007), itsteleplay was written byGillian Horvath andLee Goldberg. Set in a modern-day high school, the story reimagines key characters from Arthurian legend as contemporary teenagers caught in aprophecy. Filming took place inNew Zealand in mid-2010, with the production emphasizing themes of destiny, identity, and mythological legacy.
Avalon High premiered onDisney Channel in the United States on November 12, 2010, and was later released in Australia and New Zealand on January 22, 2011, and in the United Kingdom on January 28.[1][2] The film received mixed critical reception, with reviewers noting its accessible premise for younger audiences but critiquing its departure from the book's original narrative.
Allie Pennington, the daughter of twomedieval literature scholars, transfers to Avalon High and quickly becomes immersed in the lives of her new classmates. She befriends Will Wagner, the school's starquarterback; his best friend, Lance; his girlfriend, Jennifer; his stepbrother, Marco; and a shy student named Miles, who experiences psychic visions. As Allie spends more time with them, she begins to suspect that the students are reincarnations of figures from Arthurian legend, with Will asKing Arthur, Lance asLancelot, Jennifer asGuinevere, Marco asMordred, and Miles asMerlin.
Assigned a school project with Miles on the mythical Order of the Bear, Allie receives help from her parents, who had written a book on the subject. Meanwhile, she discovers that Lance and Jennifer are secretly having an affair, mirroring the betrayal that contributed to Arthur's downfall. Concerned that history is repeating itself, Allie tries to warn Will but is repeatedly interrupted. She seeks help from Mr. Moore, their medieval literature teacher.
On the night of a crucial football game, Will discovers the affair and disappears. Allie finds him in the woods and tries to explain his true identity, but he dismisses it as ametaphor. During the game, Will regains his composure and plays successfully, forgiving Lance and Jennifer at halftime.
Afterward, Miles uses his psychic abilities to locate Will, leading them to the school theater. There, they find Marco injured and Will confronting Mr. Moore, who reveals himself as the true Mordred. Marco, once suspected of evil, explains he had been trying to protect Will, continuing his late father's legacy as a member of the Order of the Bear. As Mordred attacks, Allie seizes a prop sword, which transforms into Excalibur, revealing that she—not Will—is the reincarnation of King Arthur.
In a vision-like alternate realm, Allie, aided by Miles, Marco, Lance, and Will, defeats Mordred in battle. Returning to reality, Mr. Moore is taken away by security. Will returns to the game and leads his team to victory. Allie's parents, unaware of her true identity, lament their failure to find Arthur. Miles embraces his role as Merlin and becomes more confident. The film concludes with the characters symbolically assembled at a round table and Allie riding along the beach on horseback.
Principal photography forAvalon High took place inAuckland,New Zealand, primarily atStudio West, from May 3 to June 3, 2010.[3][4][5][6][7]Bethells Beach served as a location for the film's full-armour battle sequences.[8] The production featured extensive use of visual effects, with Mechnology Visual Effects providing 134 digitally enhanced shots.[⁶]
Avalon High premiered onDisney Channel in the United States on November 12, 2010. The premiere attracted 3.8 million viewers, ranking as one of the network's most-watched programs that night.[9]
Avalon High received mixed reviews from critics. Emily Ashby ofCommon Sense Media gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, praising its positive messages and role models, particularly its focus on courage and self-discovery. She noted that while the film departs significantly from Meg Cabot's source material, it remains an engaging fantasy adventure suitable for older children and tweens.[10]
A review published onThe Guardian's children's books site commented on the differences between the film and Cabot's original novel, noting that some of the complexity and humor of the book were lost in translation. While the reviewer acknowledged that the film might appeal to younger audiences unfamiliar with the book, they found it a less compelling adaptation overall.[11]
| Award | Date of the ceremony | Category | Recipients | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young Artist Awards | 13 March 2011 | Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special – Supporting Young Actor | Joey Pollari | Nominated | [12] |
| Writers Guild of America Awards | 5 February 2011 | Children's Script – Television | Julie Sherman Wolfe andAmy Talkington | Won | [13] |
| Directors Guild of America Awards | 29 January 2011 | Outstanding Directing – Children's Programs | Stuart Gillard | Nominated | [14] |
