DAN SCHNEIDER DENIES SEXUALIZING NICKELODEON CHILD STARS

Dan Schneider has again denied allegations of a toxic workplace while he was at Nickelodeon ... including claims that child actors were sexualized on shows he created.

A rep for the veteran TV producer -- the man behind hit Nickelodeon shows like "The Amanda Show" and "Drake & Josh" -- says there's no truth to the allegations floated in 'Quiet on Set' ... asserting that numerous adults were involved in overseeing all aspects of the shows, with everything being approved by the network itself.

The statement further clarifies that scripts for the shows underwent a rigorous vetting process, requiring approvals from both NYC and L.A. networks ... and if anything was found to be inappropriate it would've been flagged and blocked by multilayered scrutiny.

The statement reads in part ... "Remember, all stories, dialogue, costumes, and makeup were fully approved by network executives on two coasts. A standards and practices group read and ultimately approved every script, and programming executives reviewed and approved all episodes."

As well as ensuring the scripts were kid-appropriate ... parents, caregivers, and their friends would be on set every day watching filming and rehearsals, Dan's camp adds.

Schneider's statement comes after the first 2 installments of ID's doc, "Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," premiered ... in which claims surfaced that some of his shows appeared to sexualize child stars like Ariana Grande and Jamie Lynn Spears in specific scenes.

The doc also delves deeper into claims of sexism, racism, and inappropriate behavior involving underage stars and members of the shows overseen by Schneider -- as well as allegations from crew members they were continuously asked to massage Schneider on set.

Dan's team did respond to those allegations ... previously saying, "Dan deeply regrets asking anyone for neck massages. Though they happened in public settings, he knows this was highly inappropriate and would never happen again."

LA ESTRELLA DE NICKELODEON BRYAN HEARNE "ME DECÍAN PEDAZO DE CARBON" EN EL TRABAJO "Parecía una cámara de torturas"

Bryan Hearne ha hablado, y ha comparado el trabajo en Nickelodeon con una cámara de torturas, afirmando que fue víctima de racismo.

El actor infantil -que apareció en 16 episodios del programa de sketches "All That", así como otros programas de Nick- trabajó con Investigation Discovery para la docuserie "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV", y People reveló gran parte de lo que dijo.

Una de las mayores revelaciones es que Bryan -un hombre afroamericano- dice que un adulto le llamó "pedazo de carbón" mientras trabajaba para la red. No está claro cuál fue el contexto del comentario, pero, en cualquier caso, es algo bastante horrible,

También habla de haber sido elegido para papeles estereotípicamente racistas, dice que interpretó a un traficante de drogas en el programa y también a un rapero llamado Lil Fetus, que le implicaba llevar un leotardo de color carne... básicamente desnudo ante la cámara.

Hearne dice que Lil Fetus es una de las muchas cosas incómodas que se vio obligado a hacer mientras trabajaba para Nick. En otra ocasión, tuvo que dejar que un perro lamiera mantequilla de maní de su cuerpo.

Bryan dice que no sentía que podía tener una discusión con los adultos a su alrededor acerca de su incomodidad, y comparó toda la experiencia Nickelodeon a estar en una cámara de tortura4s.

Por supuesto, "Quiet On Set" ha estado en todas las noticias y redes sociales recientemente porque Drake Bell reveló que fue abordado de manera inapropiada por el entrenador de actuación Brian Peck mientras trabajaba para la red.

Bell dijo que trabajó con la policía para obtener una confesión después de que él dijera que había sido agredido sexualmente por Peck varias veces. Finalmente, Peck se declaró inocente de realizar un acto lascivo con un menor de 14 o 15 años y de copulación oral con un menor de 16 años.

Hearne aparece en el tráiler del documental revelando que Bell contaría su historia, con Bryan diciendo que inmediatamente se preguntó quién fue agredido una vez que Peck fue expuesto.

Los primeros episodios de "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" se estrenará esta noche a las 9 PM en Investigation Discovery.

Nickelodeon Star Bryan Hearne Called 'Piece of Charcoal' At Work ... Like A Torture Chamber

Bryan Hearne is speaking out ... comparing working for Nickelodeon to a torture chamber -- and claiming he faced blatant racism on the job.

The child actor -- who appeared on 16 episodes of the sketch show "All That" as well as other Nick shows -- sat down with Investigation Discovery for the docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" ... and People revealed a ton of what he's apparently going to say.

One of the biggest revelations ... Bryan -- a Black man -- says an adult called him a "piece of charcoal" while he worked for the network. Unclear what the context of the comment was -- but, regardless a horrible thing to say to a teenager.

BH also reportedly talks about being cast in stereotypically racist roles -- he says he played a drug dealer on the show and also a rapper called Lil Fetus which involved him wearing a flesh-toned leotard ... essentially looking naked on camera.

Hearne says Lil Fetus is one of the many super uncomfortable things he was forced to do while working for Nick ... also the time he had to let a dog lick peanut butter off his body.

Bryan says he didn't feel he could have a discussion with the adults around him about his discomfort ... and likened the whole Nickelodeon experience to being in a torture chamber.

Of course, 'Quiet On Set' has been all over the news and social media recently because Drake Bell revealed he was molested by acting coach Brian Peck while working for the network.

Bell said he worked with police to get a confession from Brian on tape after he says he'd been sexually assaulted by Peck multiple times. Peck eventually pled no contest to performing a lewd act with a 14 or 15-year-old and oral copulation with a minor under 16.

Hearne's in the trailer for the documentary revealing Bell would tell his story ... with Bryan saying he immediately wondered who was assaulted once Peck was exposed.

The first episodes of "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" is set for release tonight at 9 PM on Investigation Discovery.

Drake Bell Blasts 'Boy Meets World' Guys ... Over Brian Peck Defense

Drake Bell is putting Will Friedle and Rider Strong on blast for their prior defense of sex offender Brian Peck ... slamming them for what he claims is a lack of an apology.

The former Nickelodeon star -- who recently came forward with sexual abuse allegations against his ex-dialogue coach -- called out the "Boy Meets World" alums on Instagram Thursday as fans began suggesting Will and Rider were victims too in all this.

While some defended that Will and Rider were manipulated by Brian into defending him --remember, they'd each written letters on Peck's behalf in his criminal case from 2004 -- Drake wasn't ready to let them off the hook.

As Drake put it ... Will and Rider weren't minors at the time of the case. Apparently, the two TV stars were 27 and 24 when this all happened ... and DB claims Brian even told them what he had done when he was enlisting their help.

Drake also alleged Will never said a word about the letter he wrote for Brian when they worked together on the Disney XD show, "Ultimate Spider-Man," years later.

Drake alleged that Will and Rider's recent comments about the situation on their podcast were just their way of trying to get ahead of the story. He added ... "Everyone thought the letters would be sealed forever and no one would ever see them."

Will and Rider paint a different picture, of course ... previously claiming on a February episode of "Pod Meets World" that they regretted their involvement in the case. They claimed that they didn't know the full extent of the allegations made against Brian -- which included performing a lewd act with a 14 or 15-year-old and oral copulation with a minor under 16.

Brian was eventually sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender.

Ex-Disney Star Hutch Dano I Feel for Drake Bell ... Disney Protected Me, No Issues

While Drake Bell was living through a nightmare at Nickelodeon -- another fellow child star from a competing network says the Mouse House protected him during his own run.

THEY KEPT US SAFE
TMZ.com

Hutch Dano -- an actor who appeared in "The Suite Life on Deck" and "Zeke and Luther" in his youth -- sat down for an interview with TMZ Verified this week ... and he told us he never experienced any abuse while working for Disney, unlike Drake at Nick.

Dano says his heart goes out to the victims of abuse -- including Drake -- but he himself was never one of them ... something he says he'd absolutely admit if there was any truth to it.

HD described what his experience was like on set as a kid -- telling us he only worked with some of the best professionals in the biz on every project, adding he felt Disney did a good job keeping its actors safe. It's not a dig ... Dano's just recounting his own experience.

HD says he considers himself lucky -- as others in his position were obviously subjugated to terrible things ... and big picture, he says he's happy this issue is being brought to the light.

As we reported Drake is set to recount what happened between him and his one-time dialogue coach Brian Peck ... who was convicted of molesting Drake in the early 2000s. The full interview sharing Drake's story will air in full later this weekend ... and it's apparently brutal.

As you may know, Peck pled no contest to performing a lewd act with a 14 or 15-year-old and to oral copulation with a 16-year-old back in 2004 -- and Drake reveals the guy even had a lot of stars step up to bat for him and his character, both in person and in letters.

Our full convo with Hutch can be heard on TMZ Verified, available on all podcast platforms. The Nickelodeon doc 'Quiet On Set' premieres on ID from 9 PM to 11 PM ET/PT on March 17 and March 18.

Drake Detalla el abuso... Celebridades escribieron cartas de apoyo a Brian Peck

Drake Bell finalmente está contando su historia sobre cómo Brian Peck abusó de él cuando era un adolescente, un periodo durante el cual las celebridades salieron a apoyar a Peck.

El nuevo documental de ID "Quiet on Set" levantó su embargo a los medios de comunicación, y las personas que lo han visto, incluidos nosotros, están detallando lo que Drake está diciendo exactamente aquí y es bastante difícil de ver.

Drake cuenta paso a paso todo lo que sucedió entre él y su ex entrenador de diálogo, diciendo que Brian indujo una grieta entre él y su padre en ese entonces, quien estaba trabajando como gerente de Drake y al parecer sospechaba de Brian.

En términos de cómo comenzó el abuso, Drake dice que Brian lo aisló mucho mientras trabajaba para Nickelodeon, y que a menudo terminaba en su casa después de las audiciones y que se quedó a dormir muchas veces allí. Un día, después de quedarse dormido en su sofá, Drake dice que se despertó y encontró a Brian abusando de él.

A partir de ahí, Drake dice que las cosas empeoraron y los abusos se volvieron más repetitivos. Dice que se sintió atrapado por este oscuro secreto. Finalmente, se derrumbó y le confesó todo a su madre. Cuando ella se enteró, involucraron a la policía y Drake les contó todo. También dice que consiguió que Brian confesara a la policía en una llamada telefónica grabada.

Finalmente, Brian fue detenido por varios cargos, pero se declaró no culpable de solo dos: realizar un acto lascivo con un adolescente de 14 o 15 años de edad y tener sexo oral con un menor de 16 años.

Una de las revelaciones más sorprendentes del documental es que cuando Brian estaba a punto de ser condenado, un montón de famosos y amigos aparecieron en la corte en su nombre, y no solo eso, varias estrellas escribieron cartas de apoyo para Brian Peck, incluyendo algunos grandes nombres.

USado y abusado
Pod Meets World

James Marsden escribió una, al igual que Taran Killam, por no hablar de las estrellas de "Boy Meets World", Rider Strong y Will Friedle, quienes ya han expresado su pesar por todo esto en las últimas semanas.

La estrella de "Growing Pains" Joanna Kerns también escribió una carta para Brian, pero se presentó en el documental para decir que solo lo hizo sobre información errónea. El fallecido Alan Thicke también escribió una carta de apoyo, así como Rich y Beth Correll, directores de "Suite Life of Zach & Cody".

Peck trabajó brevemente en "Suite Life" después de cumplir una condena de 16 meses tras las rejas. Contactamos a Marsden y Killam, pero hasta ahora no hemos tenido respuesta.

"Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" se estrena en dos noches en ID, de 21:00 a 23:00 ET/PT, los días 17 y 18 de marzo.

Drake Bell Details Molestation ... Celebs Wrote Support Letters for Brian Peck

Drake Bell is finally telling his story on how Brian Peck molested him as a teen -- detailing the case at the time ... a period during which celebs came forward to support his abuser.

The new ID doc 'Quiet on Set' had its media embargo lifted, and people who've seen an early screener -- including us -- are detailing what exactly Drake says here ... and it's pretty hard to watch.

Drake gives the blow-by-blow of what happened between him and his former dialogue coach -- saying Brian drove a wedge between him and his father back then, who was working as Drake's manager ... and who was apparently suspicious of Brian.

In terms of how the abuse started, Drake says Brian isolated him a lot while working on Nickelodeon shows -- and he'd often end up hanging out with Brian outside of the set including at Brian's home, and had spent the night there many times. One morning after sleeping on his couch, Drake says he woke up to find Brian sexually assaulting him.

From there, Drake says things got worse ... and the abuse became more repetitive -- and he says he felt trapped by a dark secret. Eventually, he broke down and confessed to his mom. Once his mother became aware, they got cops involved -- and Drake says he told them everything. He also claims he got Brian to confess to the police on a recorded phone call.

Eventually, Brian was arrested on multiple counts ... but he pled no contest to just two -- performing a lewd act with a 14 or 15-year-old and oral copulation with a minor under 16.

One of the more startling revelations in the doc is that as Brian was set to be sentenced, he had a crap ton of famous people and friends show up on his behalf in court ... and not just that, but several stars had written character letters on his behalf, including some big names.

USED AND ABUSED
Pod Meets World

James Marsden wrote one, as did Taran Killam ... not to mention "Boy Meets World" stars Rider Strong and Will Friedle -- who've already expressed regret over this in recent weeks.

"Growing Pains" star Joanna Kerns also wrote a letter for Brian, but came forward in the doc to say she only did so based on misinformation. The late Alan Thicke also wrote a letter in support ... and so did "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" directors Rich and Beth Correll.

Peck briefly went on to work on the 'Suite Life' after he served his 16-month prison sentence post-conviction. We've reached out to Marsden, Killam and the Corrells ... no word back yet.

"Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" premieres across two nights on ID from 9 PM to 11 PM ET/PT on March 17 and March 18.

Amanda Bynes Wigs Out With New Blue, Blonde 'Do ... Amid Drake Bell Nick Claims

Amanda Bynes surfaced for the first time in public following Drake Bell's child molestation claims against a former professional mentor ... and she's got quite the new look.

The ex-Nickelodeon child star emerged Friday for the first time since her former 'Amanda Show' costar set the stage to level some serious allegations against Brian Peck, in a new documentary that'll air his story for the first time ever.

People have wondered whether Amanda herself would be part of this doc -- "Quiet on Set" -- since it touches on a lot of former child stars during Nickelodeon's heyday ... which is why this sighting of her out and about in L.A. is so interesting.

As you can see ... Amanda's sporting a colorful hairdo here -- namely, blonde on top with blue extensions. It's certainly a unique style -- and kinda in line with how she's rockin' lately.

Amanda has obviously been out of the spotlight for years now -- although these days, she's shown signs of putting herself out there again ... through podcasts and other ventures. Of course, with this Nickelodeon doc coming out ... many have wondered if she'd come forward to make allegations of her own, but so far -- there's no indication she's set to speak out.

Drake, on the other hand, is prepared to break his silence ... which is huge in itself.

Remember, he starred on "The Amanda Show" from 1999 to 2002 before getting his own Nickelodeon show in 2004 ... and he's among the former child stars who are going to speak out in the doc.

The network says Drake will make claims against Peck, who worked on "The Amanda Show" and "Drake & Josh" as a dialogue coach.

Peck pled no contest in 2004 to performing a lewd act with a 14- or 15-year-old and to oral copulation with a minor under 16 ... and when the doc comes out later this month, Drake is expected to allege he was one of Peck's victims from that case.

Drake remained anonymous for decades ... but now he, and others, are speaking out about the bad things that allegedly happened during their Nickelodeon days.

Peck's worked on countless children's shows through the years -- including Amanda's, BTW -- and recently, some "Boy Meets World" stars said in hindsight they regret their affiliation with him back in the day. Yes, he was hobnobbing with kid actors in those days too.

Amanda's been mum on the whole subject thus far ... and it's unclear what message she's trying to send with this fashion statement, if any.

From the outside looking in, she seems to be telegraphing ... don't mind me, I'm sitting this one out.

Drake Bell Alleged Abuser Seen for First Time Since Documentary Claims

Drake Bell's alleged abuser, Brian Peck, was seen for the first time in public since an explosive documentary trailer suggested he'll be accused of molesting the ex-child star.

Brian -- who worked as Drake's dialogue coach on "Drake & Josh" in the early '00s, and who's worked on countless children's shows through the years -- surfaced this week in L.A. as he tried covering up from the rain, using a blue puffer jacket while exiting a vehicle.

The showbiz veteran kept the jacket over his head as he made his way inside his home. Looks like he wanted to make it inside pretty quickly -- as he carried his keys in his mouth and darted into the house.

This would mark the first sighting of the guy since Drake revealed he'll tell his story on the ID doc 'Quiet on Set' ... in which he's expected to claim he was a victim in Peck's criminal case from 2004, when he was convicted of performing a lewd act with a 14 or 15-year-old and oral copulation with a minor under 16.

Unclear if Drake will allege both of these counts pertained to him ... or if someone else was in the mix. In any case -- this will be the first time Drake has spoken about this publicly.

Brian was sentenced to 16 months in prison and had to register as a sex offender. He's continued to work in Hollywood since that whole ordeal ... with a crap ton of credits under his name post-2004, including recognizable shows and movies.

Drake isn't the only former child star to speak out against Brian ... "Boy Meets World" alum Maitland Ward even told TMZ in February that she was always suspicious of him when he worked on her show, which also starred Rider Strong and Will Friedle.

Rider and Will acknowledged their relationship with Brian was odd -- sharing that they previously came to his defense because they believed his story about falling victim to "jail bait." Worth noting, they never alleged he'd done anything inappropriate with them.

It'll be interesting to see who else speaks, and what else might be said about Brian. He hasn't addressed all the buzz himself ... we've tried reaching out to him without any luck.

Drake Bell Denunciará abuso infantil en un nuevo documental de Nickelodeon

Drake Bell se está abriendo sobre las afirmaciones que dicen que fue abusado por un entrenador que trabajó con él cuando era un adolescente en Nickelodeon.

El martes se dio a conocer que el actor será una de las ex estrellas infantiles que hablará en el próximo documental "Quiet on Set", que se emite el 17 y 18 de marzo. En el teaser del documental, Drake aparece al final, confirmando que va a compartir su historia.

Drake no dice nada en la promo, pero es seguro que hablará del tema cuando el documental se libere en su totalidad. En un comunicado de ID, dicen que Drake está listo para hacer las denuncias en contra de Brian Peck, un hombre con el que trabajó mientras estaba en "Drake & Josh" a principios de los 2000.

En 2004, Peck se declaró inocente de realizar un acto lascivo con un adolescente de 14 o 15 años y sexo oral con un menor de 16 años.

No está claro si las afirmaciones de Drake influyeron en el caso penal contra Peck, pero en cualquier caso, es una noticia importante, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta lo turbulenta que ha sido su propia vida.

Recuerde, el propio Drake terminó siendo condenado por poner en peligro a los niños cuando ya era un adulto y en los últimos años ha hablado abiertamente de contemplar el suicidio. Por un tiempo, también desapareció brevemente.

En cuanto a Peck, recientemente fue señalado por otras ex estrellas infantiles: los chicos de "Boy Meets World" dijeron que estaba en su mundo por ese entonces, y mirando en retrospectiva, lamentan su afiliación con él en su momento. Vale la pena señalar que no alegan ningún delito contra Peck explícitamente.

Se espera que otras estrellas infantiles hablen en este documental, pero por ahora Drake es uno de los más grandes en hacer acusaciones. Se dice que va a identificarse como una de las víctimas en el caso de Peck de 2004, pero queda por ver qué es lo que dirá exactamente.

Los compañeros de reparto de Drake de entonces no han abordado esta noticia.

Drake Bell Comes Forward to Claim Child Molestation ... In New Nickelodeon Doc

Drake Bell is breaking his silence on claims he was molested by a dialogue coach who worked with him when he was a teen on Nickelodeon.

The actor was revealed to be one of the former child stars who's going to speak on the forthcoming ID documentary 'Quiet on Set,' which airs on March 17 and 18. A teaser for the doc went up Tuesday ... and Drake steps in at the end, confirming he'll share his story.

Drake doesn't say anything in the promo ... but it's safe to say, he'll talk more when the doc gets released in full. In a release from ID, they say Drake is set to make claims against Brian Peck -- a man he worked with while he was on 'Drake & Josh' in the early 2000s.

Back in 2004, Peck pled no contest to performing a lewd act with a 14- or 15-year-old and to oral copulation with a minor under 16.

It's unclear if Drake's claims factored into the criminal case against Peck ... but in any case, it's major news -- especially when you consider how turbulent his own life has been.

Remember, Drake himself ended up being convicted of child endangerment as an adult -- and in recent years ... he's talked openly about contemplating suicide, and briefly went missing for a while too.

As for Peck ... he was recently named by other ex-child stars -- the guys from "Boy Meets World" said he was in their world as well back in the day ... and in hindsight, regretted their affiliation with him at the time. Worth noting ... they didn't allege any wrongdoing against Peck explicitly.

There are more child stars that are expected to speak in this doc ... but Drake is now coming out as the first big one to make allegations. Word is ... he's going to identify himself as one of the victims in Peck's 2004 case -- but it remains to be seen what exactly he'll say.

Other costars of Drake's from back then haven't addressed this latest development.

Los protagonistas de "Boy Meets World" acusan a la ex estrella invitada De tergiversar las acusaciones de abuso de menores

abusado
Pod Meets World

Dos actores de "Boy Meets World" dicen que ahora tienen una imagen distorsionada de una estrella invitada a su programa, después de que el hombre fuera condenado por un cargo de abuso sexual infantil.

Rider Strong y Will Friedle abordaron este tema de frente junto a su compañera de reparto Danielle Fishel en su pódcast "Pod Meets World" el lunes, donde hablaron de Brian Peck, un actor que fue condenado por cargos de abuso sexual infantil en la década de 2000.

En ese momento, fue acusado de abusar de un actor infantil no identificado de Nickelodeon y terminó aceptando un acuerdo con la fiscalía y cumpliendo más de un año tras las rejas. Ahora aparecerá en un nuevo documental sobre el lado oscuro de Nick que se emitirá en marzo.

Bueno, resulta que Rider y Will dicen que también conocían a este tipo, ya que actuó en su propio programa un par de veces, y aunque, literalmente solo fue invitado en dos episodios de con papeles muy menores, los actores dicen que estaba profundamente arraigado en sus vidas y los ha dejado sintiéndose realmente incómodos todos estos años después.

Ahora que miran hacia atrás, Will y Rider dicen que su afán por ser buenos amigos con ellos en ese entonces y salir con ellos muchas veces después del trabajo, al parecer era inapropiado y extraño, pero en ese momento no sospechaban nada.

Cuando las acusaciones en su contra surgieron por primera vez - cosa que en última instancia lo llevó a los tribunales- Will y Rider dicen que compraron la historia de Peck de ser víctima de "cebo cárcel" e incluso fue a hablar a favor del chico cuando se presentó ante un juez, porque le creían.

Dicen que ahora se dan cuenta de lo retorcida que era su relación con este tipo y ambos expresan vergüenza y arrepentimiento por haberse afiliado con él, incluso cuando eran adultos jóvenes.

Nos hemos puesto en contacto con Peck para hacer comentarios, pero hasta ahora, no hay respuesta.

'Boy Meets World' Will & Rider Claim Ex-Guest Star ... Twisted Child Molestation Claims

harrowing tale
Pod Meets World

Two actors from 'Boy Meets World' say they now have a warped view of a guest star from their show ... after the guy was later convicted on a child molestation charge.

Rider Strong and Will Friedle tackled this issue head-on alongside fellow costar Danielle Fishel on their 'Pod Meets World' podcast Monday -- where they discussed Brian Peck, an actor who was convicted on child sexual abuse charges back in the early 2000s.

At the time, he was accused of molesting an unidentified Nickelodeon child actor and ended up taking a plea deal and serving over a year behind bars. He's now set to be featured in this new documentary about the ugly underbelly of Nick that's airing in March.

Welp, as it turns out ... Rider and Will say they also knew this guy back in the day since he acted on their own show a couple times -- and even though he literally only guest-starred on two 'BMW' episodes with very minor roles, the actors now say he was deeply embedded into their lives ... and it's left them feeling creeped out and uneasy all these years later.

As they look back now, Will and Rider say his eagerness to be good pals with 'em back then -- hanging out with them a lot after work, apparently -- was wildly inappropriate and weird ... but at the time, they say they didn't suspect anything.

When allegations against him first surfaced in the early aughts -- which ultimately landed him in court -- Will and Rider say they bought Peck's story of falling victim to "jail bait" ... and even went to bat for the guy as he appeared before a judge, 'cause they believed him.

They say they now realize how twisted their relationship with this guy was ... and both express shame and regret for ever affiliating themselves with him, even as young adults.

TMZ INVESTIGATES
TMZ Studios

We've reached out to Peck for comment ... so far, no word back.

"Danny Phantom" de David Kaufman Tom Holland ha tenido suficientes superhéroes... ¿Dupla Noah Schnapp y Billie Eilish?

David Kaufman no se está quedando callado en la conversación sobre quién debiese interpretar a Danny Phantom en una película live action y le dice a TMZ que tiene algunas ideas claras del casting.

El actor, que puso voz al personaje titular en los 53 episodios de la serie de televisión y repitió su papel en las películas posteriores y en los videojuegos, nos dijo que está a favor de que Tom Holland interprete a Danny aunque cree que con Spider-Man podría ser suficiente con los roles de superhéroes por un tiempo.

Esta es la cuestión, Butch Hartman, creador de un montón de programas de televisión para Nickelodeon en los 2000, habló recientemente con MegaCon en Orlando y dijo que si alguna vez hubiera una película de acción real de "Danny Phantom", solo querría a Tom Holland en el papel.

Para aquellos que no lo saben, "Danny Phantom" seguía a un adolescente llamado Danny Fenton que adquiría habilidades fantasmales después de que explotara un portal a otro mundo y lo convirtiera en un ser mitad humano, mitad fantasma.

Un gran pero, sin embargo, es que nada de esto ha entrado en producción o ha sido anunciado por lo que podemos decir, pero sigue siendo algo en la mente de Kaufman y piensa que Tom Holland estaría bien si él quiere hacerlo.

David señaló que Tom se dirige al West End para una producción de "Romeo y Julieta", algo que considera muy bueno para él, ya que significa un salto hacia otros papeles, distintos de los superhéroes que Holland ha interpretado hasta ahora.

Francamente, no es difícil imaginar a Tom queriendo perseguir diferentes tipos de papeles en el futuro, ya que el tipo es un tour de force de talento.

Kaufman no solo estaba contrarrestando la idea de Butch, sino que también tiene sus propias ideas para el elenco, como el actor de "Stranger Things", Noah Schnapp, como Danny y Billie Eilish como su amiga y luego amor de Sam.

David felicitó a Noah por su sentido de la comedia y piensa que ese es un gran sello del carácter de Danny, por lo que cualquier actor que lo interprete tiene que saber cómo hacer una broma. Y basta ver algunas fotos de los personajes para advertir que es un casting bastante perfecto, al menos en apariencia.

Billie no tiene mucha experiencia como actriz, pero eso nunca ha sido un problema en Hollywood. Es candidata, además, a su segundo Oscar por Mejor Canción Original, así que tal vez ella se inspire para darle una oportunidad a la actuación.

TMZ investiga
TMZ Studios

Será mejor que alguien de Nickelodeon empiece a hacer algunas llamadas, ¡no querrán que una oportunidad como esta vuelva y los persiga!

'Danny Phantom' David Kaufman Tom Holland's Superheroed Out ... Schnapp/Eilish Power Couple?!?

David Kaufman's not going ghost on the conversation about who should play Danny Phantom in the live-action movie ... telling TMZ he's got some clear casting ideas.

The actor -- who voiced the titular character in all 53 episodes of the television show and reprised his role in subsequent movies and video games ... told us he's all for Tom Holland playing DP though he thinks Spider-Man might be all done with superheroes for a while.

Here's the deal ... Butch Hartman, creator of a whole bunch of well-known animated shows for Nickelodeon in the 2000s, recently spoke at MegaCon in Orlando and said if there ever was a "Danny Phantom" live-action movie, he'd only want Tom Holland in the role.

For those who don't know, "Danny Phantom" followed a teenager named Danny Fenton who gained ghost-like abilities after a portal to another world exploded and turned him into half-human, half-ghost.

A big if of course ... nothing like this has gone into production or even been announced as far as we can tell -- but it's still something Kaufman really put his mind to, and he decided TH is fine by him if he wants to do it.

DK pointed out Tom's headed to the West End for a production of "Romeo & Juliet" ... a fact David thinks is great for him since it's a departure from the superhero roles Holland has nailed to this point in his career.

Quite frankly, it's not difficult to imagine Tom wanting to pursue different kinds of roles moving forward either since the dude's a talent tour de force.

Kaufman wasn't just countering Butch's idea though ... he also came up with a couple casting calls of his own -- "Stranger Things" actor Noah Schnapp as Danny and Billie freakin' Eilish as his friend-turned-love-interest Sam.

David complimented Noah on his comedic timing, saying he thinks that's a huge part of Danny's character -- so any actor playing him needs to know their way around a joke. And, just look up some pics of the characters ... pretty perfect casting, at least appearance-wise.

Billie doesn't have much acting experience, but that's never stopped Hollywood before ... and she's up for her second Best Original Song Oscar, so maybe she'll be inspired to give acting a try.

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Someone from Nickelodeon better start making calls ... they wouldn't want an opportunity like this to come back and haunt them!

'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Netflix's Version ... Is Making Sokka Less 'Sexist'?!?

Sokka from Nickelodeon's 'Avatar' show is going to be a lil' different in Netflix's live-action version when it debuts next month ... and that includes a lot less woman-hating, apparently.

Ian Ousely -- the actor who's been tapped to play real Sokka for the streaming giant's take on the beloved animated series -- spilled the beans to EW this week in terms of clarifying how his iteration of one of the main characters will stand apart from what fans remember.

He explained ... "I wanted to make sure that Sokka is funny. There's more weight with realism in every way." His costar Kiawentiio (who plays Sokka's sister, Katara, in Netflix's show) chimed in to clear up which elements of the cartoon didn't work so well in real life.

She interjected with ... "I feel like we also took out the element of how sexist [Sokka] was. I feel like there were a lot of moments in the original show that were iffy."

To that, Ousley agreed in this interview ... going on to say, "Yeah, totally. There are things that were redirected just because it might play a little differently [in live action]." EW also points out what diehards of the animation already know ... namely, that Sokka is, in fact, very sexist as a character toward the start -- but that, eventually, he outgrows that in his arc.

Emphasis on that last part, specially. You see... Sokka's sexism is a key character flaw that he has to mature past all throughout the OG series ... something fans are keenly aware of, which is why they're pissed that it's now being revealed Netflix is changing this major detail.

You can hop into the "Sokka" trend right now on X to see how angry/disappointed everyone is that the Sokka they know -- imperfect and in need of humbling, which often made for great/hilarious moments in the original -- is not going to be found in this live remake.

That also kinda deflates the excitement fans had with the fact Netflix's version actually *looked* a lot like the cartoon ... which had many believing it'd be more faithful to the source material. Apparently, not that faithful. Seems Sokka was too problematic for Netflix.

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Womp, womp ... 😑

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