Disney wants to give Artemis Fowl a second chance. Six years after the stumble that was the live-action film directed by Kenneth Branagh, the company has confirmed a new adaptation, this time in the form of an animated series for Disney+ and Disney Channel.
The announcement was made at New York Comic Con 2026, during a panel dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the book series. What is significant about the announcement is not just the format chosen, but the direct involvement of Eoin Colfer, the original author of the books, as an executive producer on the project.
The news gains momentum right now because it comes during the franchise's anniversary and at a time when Disney+ is strengthening its animation catalog with series like Warrior Cats, Journey, or the new chapter of Kingdom Hearts.
A story that returns to its roots
The new series will bring back the 13-year-old Artemis Fowl who appears in the original novel published in 2001: a young prodigy who is cold, calculating, and possesses a much more ambiguous morality than a conventional young hero.
The starting point of the plot remains faithful to the book. Artemis discovers the existence of an underground civilization of fairies, armed with highly advanced technology, and devises a plan to capture one of them and use their magic for his own benefit: to save his family and help his sick mother.
That approach is precisely one of the points where the 2020 film strayed furthest from the original material, by softening the protagonist's personality and moving him closer to a more conventional heroic archetype.
Eoin Colfer, much closer to the project
The addition of Colfer as an executive producer is one of the most significant details of the announcement. The author has stated that he feels proud to be part of the creative team and has expressed confidence in the treatment being given to the fairy universe in this new animated version.
Colfer is responsible for the eight main books in the saga, which began in 2001 and quickly became one of the great phenomena of young adult literature of that era, frequently compared to Harry Potter for its mix of hidden worlds, young protagonists, and extensive mythology.
However, the big difference with Artemis Fowl was always its protagonist: he was not a classic hero, but an arrogant, manipulative character willing to use anyone to achieve his goals, with a much wider range of evolution throughout the saga.
The creative team behind the series
The production will feature Ben Juwono, previously linked to Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and Colleen Evanson, known for her work on DuckTales. Disney has already shared the first poster for the project, although there is no confirmed release date yet.
Why the 2020 film didn’t work
Disney's first attempt to bring Artemis Fowl to the screen ended up becoming one of the company's most talked-about failures of that period. The film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, starred Ferdia Shaw as Artemis, alongside Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Judi Dench, Colin Farrell, and Nonso Anozie.
Originally intended for a theatrical release, the pandemic forced it to be launched directly on Disney+. The reception from critics and readers was very negative, largely due to the changes introduced compared to the books.
The film modified the protagonist's personality, altered his father's backstory, combined elements from the first two novels, and introduced an invented magical object, the Aculos, which does not exist in the original material. The result was a film with little identity of its own that was far removed from the spirit of the saga.
Animation as a narrative solution
Opting for an animated series seems like a coherent decision for this new attempt. The universe created by Colfer combines fantasy, advanced technology, espionage, action, and humor—elements that can be developed with greater freedom in animation than in a live-action production constrained by budget and runtime.
The series format also allows more time to be dedicated to building the underground fairy world and its supporting characters, one of the most valued aspects of the original books.
Disney’s goal: new audiences without losing long-time readers
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, has explained that the intention is to bring the Artemis Fowl universe to a new generation without sidelining those who are already familiar with the book series.
That balance will be decisive for the final result. Maintaining the protagonist's complexity, without turning him into an excessively kind version, seems key to not repeating the mistakes of the previous adaptation.
What comes next
For the moment, Disney+ and Disney Channel have not confirmed a release date for the new Artemis Fowl animated series. The announcement, made to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the saga, marks the beginning of a project that has yet to reveal more details about its production and schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new Artemis Fowl series about?
It adapts the original 2001 novel, focusing on Artemis Fowl, a 13-year-old prodigy who discovers an underground civilization of fairies and plots a plan to capture one of them in order to save his family.
Who is producing the new adaptation?
Eoin Colfer, author of the eight main books in the saga, is participating as an executive producer, alongside Ben Juwono and Colleen Evanson on the creative team.
Why was the 2020 film a failure?
Because it modified central aspects of the original story, such as the protagonist's personality, his father's plot, and the introduction of invented elements, straying from the spirit of the books.
When will the animated series premiere?
Disney+ and Disney Channel have not yet announced an official release date for the project.
Where will the series be available to watch?
It is scheduled to air on Disney+ and Disney Channel.
