Disney has officially greenlit an animated television series adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl franchise, marking a strategic pivot after the underwhelming reception of the 2020 live-action film. The announcement was made during the ‘25 Years of Artemis Fowl’ panel at New York Comic Con on Sunday, with Colfer confirming the project will debut on both Disney Channel and Disney+. He will serve as executive producer, alongside Ben Juwono and Colleen Evanson, who bring experience from Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and DuckTales, respectively. No release window has been disclosed. 

The series centers on the titular 13-year-old genius, Artemis Fowl, who stumbles upon a hidden world of armed, dangerous, and surprisingly high-tech fairies. Driven by desperation to save his dying mother, he devises a plan to capture one of them and steal its magic. This premise, drawn directly from the original book’s logline, remains central to the adaptation. 

Colfer first introduced the character in 2001 with the publication of the first novel. Since then, the series has grown into a global phenomenon, selling over 35 million copies worldwide and translated into 48 languages. Ten sequels followed, with the final installment released in 2021. The franchise has long been celebrated for its imaginative world-building, sharp dialogue, and blend of science fiction and fantasy. 

Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, said in a statement that the animated series offers a chance to honor longtime fans while introducing the story to a new generation. She emphasized the enduring appeal of Colfer’s work: ‘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.’ 

Colfer echoed that sentiment, expressing confidence in the creative team. ‘I am proud and delighted to be part of the formidable team that is putting the Artemis Fowl animation on screen,’ he said. ‘Everyone is so talented and so positive that I feel certain the fairy world is in excellent hands.’ 

The decision to go animated comes after the 2020 film — which premiered on Disney+, was removed from the platform in 2023 following widespread criticism. With this new version, Disney appears to be betting on animation to better capture the whimsy, scale, and surrealism of the source material. The series joins a growing lineup of animated programming on Disney+, including Phineas and Ferb, Big City Greens, and Journey. 

Whether this iteration can win back audiences remains uncertain. But for now, the fairy underworld is getting a second shot. Not in live action, but in motion, color, and imagination.