Hi everyone –
I have been getting a LOT of mail lately from people wanting to know if there are any updates on the Spy School Movie. And i realize that a lot of the posts about the movie are quite old — because this process has been going on for a very long time. So some of the questions I’m including are the same ones I answered before, but maybe this post will become a one-stop point for learning about the movie.
Can you please give me an update on what is going on with the movie?
Sadly, there are none. I turned my last draft into the studio on January 31, 2020. As of this date, that was 10 1/2 months ago. I have not heard a things from Disney since. Part of this is due to COVID. Few companies have been hurt as badly by the pandemic as Disney. But still, this is an insanely long time to wait for an answer. I know you are frustrated that things are stalled, but trust me, no one is as frustrated by this as I am. In addition, my agents are frustrated and angry too. I wish I had a better update for you, but I don’t.
So does this mean the movie isn’t getting made?
I really don’t know. I suppose there is still a chance that Disney might make it. And if they say no, then I can take it to another studio to see if they will make it. But for right now, all I can do is wait to see what Disney has to say.
Is the movie going to stick closely to the book?
That is my plan. I have written three drafts of the screenplay. So far, it stays close to the book, although since it is a movie and not a book, I have made some changes. They’re not huge, and some might be quite funny, but they were necessary.
Will there be sequels based on the other books?
Ideally, but that depends on how the first movie does. There is a slight chance that, if Disney loves the script, they will decide to move ahead with a sequel before the first movie comes out, but I wouldn’t count on that.
Is the movie going to be live action or animated?
Live action.
Are you going to do just one book for each movie, or combined books into one movie?
The idea is to do one book per movie.
If the movie does get made, when is the absolute earliest that the movie come out?
If the movie was given the go-ahead tomorrow, it probably couldn’t start shooting for several months, and then that would take a few months, and then it would have to be edited and scored and such so… the very earliest would probably be 18 months from now — and that’s a best case scenario. Don’t expect anything until 2022, if not later.
Is it going to be released in theaters — or could it show up on Disney Plus?
Personally, I would love for it to be released theatrically — so that’s what we are shooting for. But the fact is, Disney needs a lot of content for Disney Plus, so that remains an option. (Also, if it was made for Disney Plus, there is a chance that sequels could be started earlier.)
Are the characters going to look the same as I imagine them?
Probably not. Because I have no control over how you imagine the characters. You may have noticed that I don’t describe the characters in much detail in my books. I leave a lot to your imagination. Personally, I hope that the casting director selects the best possible actors for the roles and doesn’t get hung up on looks. (You might have noticed that I never describe the ethnicity of many characters, including Ben, so personally, I’m open to most of them being any ethnicity.) Anyhow, the chance of an actor or actress looking exactly like the way you imagine the character is virtually nonexistent. So don’t get upset if the actors don’t look exactly as you’d hoped.
But you’re going to release a graphic novel in 2022. After that, won’t we know what the characters look like?
No. You will know that Anjan, the artist of the graphic novel, thinks the characters look like. But that doesn’t mean that is what the characters have to look like.
If the movie does film, can I be in it? I’m really good at acting. Maybe you could tell the casting director about me?
Honestly, I won’t have any say in casting at all. I know that might sound wrong to you, but here’s the best explanation I can give:
Actors are hired by casting directors. That is the casting director’s job, and they train for years to do it. So, if I were to call a casting director and say, “Hey, you should consider this kid for the movie,” that would be like the casting director coming up to me and saying, “Hey, would you mind if I wrote a chapter of your book for you?” The casting director has their job. I have mine. It is not cool for me to try to tell them how to do their job.
Thus, I have no idea if there will be an open casting call or when that would even happen. My bet is, it is unlikely. If there is an open casting call, I will post about it on this blog.
Could you write to me personally and let me know if there is open casting?
Er…No. I get asked this a lot and, not to sound like a jerk, but I have a lot to do. Emailing every one of the thousands of kids (and a lot of parents) who has asked me to contact them directly would take me weeks. I do not have time to do that. I have books to write.
All right. That’s the info I have right now. Again, I really, really wish I had more of an update. Hopefully, I will have more news soon.
In the mean time, stay safe, have a happy holiday, and keep on reading.
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
Can we see the movie script/is it going to be made public anytime soon?
Your Number One Fan,
Benjamin
Benjamin Ripley-
Unfortunately, the movie script is the property of Fox Studios / Disney and so I am not allowed to release it.
Hi Mr Gibbs,
I am absolutely IN LOVE with your books and I’ve read all of the Charlie Thorne, FunJungle and Spy School books that have been released so far (I just finished Spy School Blackout a few minutes ago after waiting for its release since finishing Spy School Goes Wild and decided to visit your site) and I just wanted to thank you for your amazing work, as well as to tell you that there’s one more fan waiting for the next books in all your series in the world. You’ve really brought be a lot of joy reading your books in the past few years since I’ve discovered them- fun fact, I share a birthday with the Spy School series (literally, even the year) and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Spy School books have also inspired be to write and make me want to be an author like you in the future. Please keep writing and please keep your hopes up about the Spy School movie even if it’s been years since it sadly got rejected. I grew up watching Anastasia and the Three Musketeers Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, so I really am excited about whatever other movies you might produce in the future! Keep going, because all you need is guts, brains, and semiautomatic weapons.
Sorry that this comment was so long, and I really hope you’ll get to see this.
This is cool –
Thanks so much for your kind words. I have not given up on a SS movie.
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
Can we see the movie script/is it going to be made public anytime soon?
Your Number One Fan,
Benjamin
Hi Mr Gibbs,
I am absolutely IN LOVE with your books and I’ve read all of the Charlie Thorne, FunJungle and Spy School books that have been released so far (I just finished Spy School Blackout a few minutes ago after waiting for its release since finishing Spy School Goes Wild and decided to visit your site) and I just wanted to thank you for your amazing work, as well as to tell you that there’s one more fan waiting for the next books in all your series in the world. You’ve really brought be a lot of joy reading your books in the past few years since I’ve discovered them- fun fact, I share a birthday with the Spy School series (literally, even the year) and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Spy School books have also inspired be to write and make me want to be an author like you in the future. Please keep writing and please keep your hopes up about the Spy School movie even if it’s been years since it sadly got rejected. I grew up watching Anastasia and the Three Musketeers Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, so I really am excited about whatever other movies you might produce in the future! Keep going, because all you need is guts, brains, and semiautomatic weapons.
Sorry that this comment was so long, and I really hope you’ll get to see this.
Benjamin –
Believe it or not, I do not own the movie script. It is owned by Fox / Disney and so I am not allowed to share it.
This is cool –
Thank you for your kind words! That’s wild that you share a birthday with the SS series. I’m still trying to get my books made into films or shows and hope to have good news in the coming year.
Make a movie based on the Charlie Thorne series I would LOVE TO SEE A MOVIE ON THE CHARLIE THORNE SERIES. It would be awesome.Like a movie about a twelve year old with a 220 IQ and that works for the CIA like who wouldn’t LOVE that.
Write another Charlie Thorne book please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ben B
No one wants a CT movie more than I do. And I am trying to see if I can write a new book in that series.
Hey, Mr. Stuart Gibbs !Im totally bummed that Disney did that . Even so don’t give up! Your SS series inspired me so much! I’m extremely glad you even tried for us and still kept trying ! I introduced my friends and my entire class to this series and they loved it ! I want to say you are an extremely talented author so don’t let people tear you down! You deserve way much more ! Also I want to thank you for your thoughts through SS . Thank you , thank you , thank you.
– Sincerely your 1 biggest fan Zyrah Paniagua
Hey, Mr. Gibbs, I love your books, and so does the rest of my class. How do you get ideas like spying, people on the moon, crime- it just blows my mind! Who are some authors you’d recommend, hands down?
Thanks,
BigBear
BigBear –
The stories behind the inspiration for all my books are on my FAQ page.
And I have a blog post full of author recommendations.
Hi, Mr. Gibbs it’s Zyrah again. I want to say or also say a question for your next book this fall . Will Erica and Ben be really close like project x ? Well That’s all . I love your series! Keep writing ! You got this !
– zyrah
zyrah
Ben and Erica’s relationship continues to develop in each book.
Ty for making my whole life I love your books so much and I hope you can find a way to make a film.
I love Stuart Gibbs
Thanks so much for your kind words.
Hi Mr Gibbs,
I am absolutely IN LOVE with your books and I’ve read all of the Charlie Thorne, FunJungle and Spy School books that have been released so far (I just finished Spy School Blackout a few minutes ago after waiting for its release since finishing Spy School Goes Wild and decided to visit your site) and I just wanted to thank you for your amazing work, as well as to tell you that there’s one more fan waiting for the next books in all your series in the world. You’ve really brought be a lot of joy reading your books in the past few years since I’ve discovered them- fun fact, I share a birthday with the Spy School series (literally, even the year) and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Spy School books have also inspired be to write and make me want to be an author like you in the future. Please keep writing and please keep your hopes up about the Spy School movie even if it’s been years since it sadly got rejected. I grew up watching Anastasia and the Three Musketeers Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, so I really am excited about whatever other movies you might produce in the future! Keep going, because all you need is guts, brains, and semiautomatic weapons.
Sorry that this comment was so long, and I really hope you’ll get to see this.
Bubbah –
Thanks very much for your kind thoughts.
Hi do you watch anime and if you do what’s your favorite and have you watched Stranger Things?
this is yuri except i have new name. yuri is a name from spy x family. i understand if you dont wnt to share if you watch anime or stranger things. i just was wondering. i know i have no caps. its on purpose. fortnite user is PenguinToastKing if anyone reading plays and wants to friend me.
Yuri Briar –
I do not watch a lot of anime but I have seen Stranger Things.
YAY He responded I don’t remember the first name I used when writing on here but I do remeber when it was when I was in I think 5th grade so about 1 year ago I was so happy. They say to never meet your idol but online doesn’t count, right? Right? I think that most celebrities don’t respond to fans but this one has responded to every SINGLE COMMENT I’VE SEEN. Among my favorite authors are Stuart Gibbs(Anyone reading would know why), Tatsuya Endo(Author of Spy X Family my favorite manga), Tui T. Sutherland( Author of Wings Of Fire), Jeff Kinney(Author of Diary Of A Wimpy Kid), and Nathan Hale( Author of Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales[FYI he has the same name of the spy but he’s not the spy]). All are good authors but Spy X Family is something you might need your guardians permission for becuase of violence(Though they block most of it in the anime) and language. 🙂 I like books and tech and anime and tv and chess and action figures. I like a lot of really col things that might not be for everyone but thats fine.
Hi Mr Gibbs,
I am absolutely IN LOVE with your books and I’ve read all of the Charlie Thorne, FunJungle and Spy School books that have been released so far (I just finished Spy School Blackout a few minutes ago after waiting for its release since finishing Spy School Goes Wild and decided to visit your site) and I just wanted to thank you for your amazing work, as well as to tell you that there’s one more fan waiting for the next books in all your series in the world. You’ve really brought be a lot of joy reading your books in the past few years since I’ve discovered them- fun fact, I share a birthday with the Spy School series (literally, even the year) and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Spy School books have also inspired be to write and make me want to be an author like you in the future. Please keep writing and please keep your hopes up about the Spy School movie even if it’s been years since it sadly got rejected. I grew up watching Anastasia and the Three Musketeers Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, so I really am excited about whatever other movies you might produce in the future! Keep going, because all you need is guts, brains, and semiautomatic weapons.
Sorry that this comment was so long, and I really hope you’ll get to see
Sorry for lying Mr. Gibbs I have not read all of Ct Fj or SS however I’m currently on SS Blackout and have finished MBA. BTW my name is a nod to Stranger Things Season 3 when Robin CENSORED SO THAT THERE ARE NO SPOILERS. I know that a few people copy and pasted the same comment as I.
I cracked it!
Thanks for the kind words — although I’m not sure why you felt you needed to lie to me about how many books of mine you have read. I’ve written a lot of books. And there are plenty of other great books out there to read as well. I don;t get upset if someone hasn’t read all of mine.
Hi Stuart Gibbs! I just wanted to say that all your books are amazing! I have read up to 11 books of SS and 2 books of MBA. I was thinking, ( and this is just a suggestion), could you possibly ask Netflix to stream your movie? I am sure Netflix will not be nearly as worried about the “kids in danger” part of your books, and lots of people have Netflix! Thank you! I also wanted to say thank you again for being such a great author!
Hi again! I just wanted to know if you can share the release date for the next SS book? (I know that I have not finished all the other books, but I’m a fast reader! I read book 11th in two nights!) Thank you for writing these amazing books for us to enjoy!
This one spy school fanatic girl for life
I am very flattered that you have enjoyed by books. I have talked to Netflix over and over and over again about my books. They are not going to help out. Sorry.
This one spy school fanatic girl for life –
All upcoming release information is posted in the Upcoming Releases box on every page of this website. If there is not an actual release date there, it means that the release date has not been locked in yet.
Hi Stuart gibs I am 10 years old and I have a question sir what will the book be about and how many books are you gonna make
Damian –
Are you asking about what the next Spy School book will be about? There will be a blog post about that soon.
I do not know how many books there will be in any of my series.
Hello I LOVE your books
Can you put Dash in Space Case in a time machine and make more books. I know that you made the ending. No need to erase it. So can you make a fourth book?
Abd –
Sorry, no time machines in the MBA series.