Over the past few years, the question I have probably been asked on this website more than any other is: When will Spy School become a movie or TV series? Well, the first step in that process has begun.
Here are the important points to know:
The show is being developed by Fox TV for Disney +.
It will be a streaming series, most likely with each season being one book in the series.
It will be live action, not animated.
Chris Fedak will be the showrunner. Previously, Chris created the show Chuck, which was also a CIA action-comedy. Interestingly, it is also the show that more CIA agents have told me is their favorite CIA show than any other.
It is being produced by Maximum Effort, which Ryan Reynolds’ production company, and by Emma Watts, who has shepherded such films as The Kingsmen, Deadpool and the Avatar films.
Now, I figure you have a lot of questions. I will try to answer some of them.
Does this guarantee that the show will be on the air?
No. It is only the first step in what might be a long process. There is also a chance that, yet again, the whole thing might fall apart and not happen.
Why is it so hard to get a show or a movie made?
Because making a streaming TV show (or a movie) is really really really expensive. So a lot of things have to go right to make the studio decide to spend all that money.
What is a showrunner?
In TV, a writer generally oversees the show. Multiple writers will work on the show, but Chris will really be in charge. He is also writing the pilot episode.
Why is someone else the showrunner instead of you, Mr. Gibbs?
Because being a showrunner is a big job. I don’t have time to do it and write all my books. However, I am a producer on the show and will be involved in developing the season and will maybe even write an episode (or two).
Wait. Didn’t Disney + turn down the idea of doing Spy School several years ago?
Yes.
What changed their minds?
I’m not sure, but I’m thrilled that they’re giving it another shot. I think Disney + is the right place for the show.
Can I be in the show?
That is not my decision. I am not in charge of casting.
Well, I’m a really good actor. Could you ask the casting person to consider me?
No.
Why not?
Because the casting person’s job is to find talent to play the characters on the show. My job is to write the books that the show is based on. The casting director does not make suggestions about what I should write in my books. And I don’t make suggestions about who they should hire.
However, if the casting director decides there will be an open casting call for the series, then I promise to post about it on my blog.
Do you know who is going to play any of the characters yet?
No. Casting has not begun. And as of this time, I am not sure when it might start.
Do you have any idea when the show might be ready for viewing?
No. But as of right now, July 9, 2026, I would say it will probably be at least a year.
Hopefully, I will have more good news to report about the show in the coming months, Stay tuned to this blog for more details!
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
I never thought this would actually happen, but there’s a lot to be done. Do you know if it would be live action or animated? And are you aware of how much creative freedom you have over the project. If this does go through, are you concerned about the showrunners staying faithful to the source material?
my name says it all
wow
Alvin
It will be live action.
I am definitely concerned about the project staying faithful to the source material, but some things will certainly have to change with the translation from book to show.
why did ryan Reynolds want to be an executive producer for your show and also what was Disney’s reasoning before to reject you
Hey Mr. Gibbs, I used to always read your spy school books and funjungle when I was younger. Really entertaining books and I remember seeing when the spy school movie got cancelled by disney in early 2021, and now its back on. I haven’t read these in a while but I have most of them so I will re-read for this one.
I just wanted to say thank you for making reading fun when I was younger and congrats on this show happening, its been a long time coming.
Henry Mah
Disney was never clear with why they rejected the show before.
And I guess Ryan just thinks the show is a good idea.
aggi
Thanks for your kind words. I hope that you find the books enjoyable once again.
OMG I have been waiting for this forever!!!
thats insane!!! This is a dream come true. It would be so good if there was a funjungle series as well. or MBA. Congrats Mr. Gibbs!
I’m gonna cry of joy I have no words but CONGRATS
Hello Mr. Stuart Gibbs. I am a fan of the two volumes of the Spy School series and I beg you, please make it not 15 volumes, but more. And for one thing, not even one person has died so far. Why? Or even been injured. I know Benjamin broke his ribs once and that’s it? I, who am 15 years old, am a little disappointed. This has disappointed all Iranians like me. Your stories are truly inspiring and if they weren’t for them, my life would definitely be miserable now.I’ve read your series more than a thousand times—I know it all by heart. Unfortunately, there’s a problem in Iran: each volume takes two years to get translated and published here, and on top of that, it’s censored! For instance, when you write that Erika attacked me and hugged me, the local version says she smiled from a distance, and they use the word “colleague” instead of “girlfriend.” That’s why I read the English PDFs or uncensored translations instead… I hope you read this comment; I love your work so much and hope you stay healthy so you can keep writing books for us. By the way, please release the movie soon, too!???? ?? ??? ??? ???? ????? ?????!
I misspoke; increase the quantity—make it about 20 volumes.
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
I was just wondering if you would need to replace the actors every couple seasons since they would age as the tv show progresses but the characters in the books only age about two years throughout the entire series. So the same actors would be too old to keep playing 12-13 year olds throughout the show, which probably means that the show would need to find new actors to play the characters as the show continues.
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
That’s amazing news! I’m so happy and I can’t wait until it comes out! But I do have a question: Are there going to be songs? Or is it like a theme-song -only, or just no songs involved?
Spy School –
I am glad that you have been reading my books in Iran, but… I write escapist fiction. There is plenty of bad stuff in the world. I don’t need to add more. I don’t think killing off a character (or even hurting them badly) would make my books any better.
As for the censorship in Iran, believe it or not, you have more power over that than I do. I am unable to read the translations (and often don;t even get to see them) so I have no idea what has been censored. Publishers in Iran are more likely to respond to your concerns than they are to mine. You should let them know that you are unhappy with the censorship.
Aditya M –
Dealing witb the aging of the characters is a problem we will be lucky to have to deal with. In theory, the books will probably take place farther apart in time to account for the characters aging — and then maybe they’ll go to spy college or something like that.
Jay –
I have no idea what will happen with the music. Obviously, the show will not be a musical. Will there be music writen for it? Yes. Will there be a song? I have no earthly idea. That decision might not be made for a year.
Dear Stuart Gibbs,
This is so Exiting!!! When you say show, do you mean like one episode per book? Or one book per season of episodes? Also, what was YOUR reaction when you found out about it.
Sincerely,
Charlie Thorne Lover
Charlie Thorne lover
The show will probably be one book per season, meaning that each book will be 8-10 episodes.
I have been working on this deal for nearly four years, so it wasn’t a surprise to me. Really, I’m pleased that things are finally moving ahead.
So does this mean I cant be in the show?
BradarDeleteThis
No. It just means that whether or not you are in the show is not my decision. It is the decision of the casting director.
I’m curious if you happen to have any stats that show how many adults read your books? Not sure it that’s something the publisher would track or not… I’m 53 years old and not ashamed to say I love them all.
Having said that, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see how this new Disney+ series turns out. Congrats on getting some movement on it again!
Rusty_Cart
I do hear from a good number of adults who say they enjoy my books, but as far as I know, no one tracks those statistics.
Thanks for the kind words!
Do you know what a wake island rail is?
If we’re talking about the series, maybe by any chance could you mature the series into something for older kids, or do two series, like leave the old one for younger kids, reselove the ending into something happy, and for the older kids make a new series, where Ben has a villain arc. That’s just a idea, and also what’s the projected age rating, because there have been plenty of shows and movies adapted off of things kids like (like Barbie for example) and then made into a older age rating
Locusts
The wake island rail is a bird that, like so many island birds, has gone extinct.
Reading Nerd
I have just spent YEARS trying to get this series set up, and now you’re suggesting that I somehow do two series about the same material at the same time but for different age groups? Sorry, but that is just not how things work in Hollywood. And giving Ben a villain arc? Ben is the hero!
I presume that the projected age range for the show is to appeal to current readers of the books AND those who have grown older as well.
Hello, who is in charge of casting for the new movie, and would i be able to contact them, and if so would i be able to somehow request to audition?
Joshua Chaffee
When I have casting information, I will post it.
Hi Mr .Gibbs,
Will there ever be Charlie Thorne: The Graphic Novel? Also, What would have you wanted for the series? Animated or Live Action. How do you create books? Like, you said it takes like 2 years per book. So, have you already chosen an ending? Or you roll with whatever is on the mind? Also, How many CONFIRMED spy school books would you say?
Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Hey Mr Gibbs I am an eighth grader in middle school and I have always loved you books. I have dyslexia, so I always listened to your books. I do some times read them but it is just not as enjoyable. Reading these comments has made me see that it is not embarrassing to read your books not to be rude, but I thought my friends would laugh at me but reading these comments has made me see so many people love your books. Really can’t wait for the show to come out and I’ve already pre-ordered spy school goes east and by chance, could you tell me which of the hail is go missing because I read the description?
Please don’t put it on disney+!!!! The books are perfect! if you turn into a show, you take away some of that creative freedom that children have for books. Even a graphic novel does some of that, but not as bad. if you do make a show, don’t have it on disney, and please make it an animation. An animation has always felt more injoyable for me as a child.
LA –
I dio not know if there will be a CT GN. That is up to my publisher.
The series is live action, which is what I wanted.
I think through my books very carefully before i write them. I do not just make everything up as I go.
There are two more CONFIRMED Spy School books, Goes East and the one after that (which still does not have a title.)
Rory Johnson –
If you read Blackout, that should tell you which Hales have gone missing. If you haven’t read Blackout, I would recommend doing that before reading Goes East. Just so I don’t spoil anything.
STheGreat
I have been working on this deal for FOUR YEARS. I have been to every studio in Hollywood. It happens on Disney+ or it doesn’t happen at all. And it’s not going to be animated.