In 2020 Disney tried launching a live-action Artemis Fowl movie franchise. It did not go well. The film was a weird adaptation that completely missed the mark. It was also bad entirely on its own merits. But fans of Eoin Colfer’s book series always knew the story deserved better. And Disney agrees. Only this time it’s not going back to the big screen with real people. Instead Artemis Fowl is heading to the Disney Channel and Disney+ for an animated series.
This year’s New York Comic Con included a 25th anniversary panel celebrating the first book about Colfer’s beloved boy genius. During the event the author announced that Disney is once again adapting his novels. Only this time they’ve greenlit a cartoon show. Colfer will serve as an executive producer on the show. If you’re unfamiliar with the novels, here’s an official description from Disney:
The action-adventure fantasy series Artemis Fowl follows 13-year-old genius Artemis Fowl as he uncovers an underground world of armed and dangerous — and surprisingly high-tech — fairies as he launches a plan to capture one and steal its magic to heal his dying mom and save his family.
“For more than two decades, Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl books have captivated readers around the world with unforgettable characters, imaginative world-building, and gripping adventures,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family, in a statement. “Bringing this beloved franchise to life as an animated series gives us the opportunity to introduce a new generation to Artemis’ world while honoring the longtime fans who have cherished these stories for years.”
That is definitely not what Disney’s 2020 Artemis Fowl movie did. At all. But the mistakes made with the live-action film could ultimately be a net positive for fans of the books. Disney learned how not to adapt Artemis Fowl. Now it can do it right.