Disney+ Adapts Stuart Gibbs' Spy School Novels into TV Series with Ryan Reynolds
Disney+ has announced its plans to adapt the beloved young adult book series Spy School by Stuart Gibbs into a television series. This exciting project will be produced by Ryan Reynolds' production company, Maximum Effort, in collaboration with 20th Television. The series centers around Ben Ripley, a teenager who has always aspired to work for the CIA. His journey begins when he receives an invitation to a prestigious science magnet school, only to find out that it serves as a front for a CIA training academy.
The official logline describes Ben as a teenager determined to achieve his dream job with the CIA. While he is not surprised to be recruited for a school focused on science, he is taken aback to learn that it is actually a cover for CIA operations. This premise promises a blend of comedy, action, and espionage, placing an ordinary kid in an extraordinary situation.
Chris Fedak, who co-created and served as showrunner for the fan-favorite series Chuck, is on board to write and executive produce the adaptation. His experience in balancing humor with action and spy thrills makes him a fitting choice for this project. Fedak has also worked on other notable series such as Prodigal Son and Deception, and has written for films including Ambulance.
In addition to Fedak, executive producer Emma Watts is attached to the project, while Reynolds' Maximum Effort continues to expand its television portfolio. The company has previously produced successful projects like The Adam Project and Welcome to Wrexham, and is developing this series under its first-look deal with 20th Television. Stuart Gibbs will also serve as an executive producer, ensuring that the adaptation remains true to the spirit of the original books.
The Spy School series has gained immense popularity since the first book was published in 2012, with a total of 14 books released to date. The latest installment, Spy School Goes East, is set to be published in October 2026, and the series has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. Gibbs is also known for creating other successful book series, including FunJungle and Charlie Thorne.
With the addition of Spy School, Disney+ continues to enhance its lineup of young adult adaptations. The platform is already home to popular series like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which is heading into its third season, along with live-action adaptations of Eragon and Animorphs currently in development. Spy School appears to be a perfect fit for Disney+, given its established fan base and the potential for engaging action and comedy, making it an exciting project for viewers.
