Disney+ is developing a television adaptation of Stuart Gibbs’ bestselling Spy School novels, with Chuck co-creator Chris Fedak attached to write and executive produce the series.
According to Variety, the project will adapt Gibbs’ popular young adult book franchise, which currently spans 14 novels. The series began with Spy School in 2012, while the 14th instalment, Spy School Goes East, is scheduled for publication in October 2026.
The story follows teenager Ben Ripley, who dreams of joining the CIA. His plans appear to take shape when he enrols at a science-focused magnet school, only to discover that it secretly operates as a training academy for future CIA agents.
Fedak will executive produce alongside Emma Watts. Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort will also serve as executive producer, together with Gibbs. The series comes from 20th Television, where Maximum Effort operates under a first-look deal.
Gibbs’ books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. Besides the Spy School series, he has written the FunJungle, Charlie Thorne, Moon Base Alpha and Once Upon a Tim books. His screenwriting credits include See Spot Run, Replicate and Showdown.
Fedak, a longtime admirer of Gibbs’ work, is best known for co-creating and serving as showrunner on NBC’s Chuck. He also co-created and showran Fox’s Prodigal Son and ABC’s Deception. His film credits include Ambulance, directed by Michael Bay and starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
The project marks another young adult literary adaptation for Disney+. The streaming platform currently airs Percy Jackson, which is heading into its third season, while live-action adaptations of Eragon and Animorphs are also in development. Disney+ previously released a two-season adaptation of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps.
