Disney has greenlit an animated television series based on Eoin Colfer’s bestselling fantasy book franchise Artemis Fowl, with the adaptation set to air on Disney Channel and stream on Disney+.
According to Variety, Colfer announced the project during a panel celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first Artemis Fowl novel at New York Comic Con on 11 October.
He will serve as an executive producer alongside Ben Juwono and Colleen Evanson.
The action-adventure series follows Artemis Fowl, a 13-year-old genius who discovers a hidden world of technologically advanced fairies.
He devises a plan to capture one of them and steal its magic in an attempt to save his dying mother and protect his family.
Colfer said he was delighted to help bring the fantasy world to the screen, expressing confidence in the creative team behind the adaptation.
Disney Kids & Family president Ayo Davis said the series would introduce a new generation of viewers to the franchise while retaining the characters, imaginative world-building and adventures that have attracted readers for more than two decades.
First published in 2001, the Artemis Fowl book series has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 48 languages, according to Disney.
The animated adaptation marks another attempt to bring the fantasy franchise to the screen.
Kenneth Branagh directed a live-action film version in 2020, starring Ferdia Shaw as Artemis Fowl alongside Colin Farrell and Judi Dench.
Disney has yet to announce the voice cast or premiere date for the upcoming animated series.
The project joins Disney’s growing animation slate, which includes Phineas and Ferb and Big City Greens, alongside other upcoming adaptations.
