Who asked for this? One of Disney’s worst live-action movies is becoming a Disney+ series

Well, here we go: Artemis Fowl is getting another chance — though after the last outing, you'd be forgiven for spitting out your tea at the news. No, Disney can't leave it alone, but at least this time they're swapping the big screen disaster for a fresh animated take, with the man who wrote the original books actually steering the ship. Probably for the best, given how things went before.

Disney’s 2020 live-action version of Artemis Fowl managed a spectacularly abysmal 8% Tomatometer and just 19% on the audience meter from over 2,500 reviews.

The original film couldn't have landed worse with critics or fans if they'd tried. Now Disney’s bringing the whole thing back, but giving Colfer's universe a proper animated home — and, crucially, putting the author himself in an executive producer seat. Not a bad shout, actually.

Back to the Beginning (Sort Of)

The new Artemis Fowl series has reportedly been greenlit for Disney Channel and Disney+. Author Eoin Colfer confirmed it during the “25 Years of Artemis Fowl” panel at this year’s New York Comic-Con. He’ll be heavily involved, which should calm nerves for diehards still scarred by the last attempt.

Here’s Colfer’s pitch for the relaunch, direct from his Comic-Con announcement:

I am proud and delighted to be part of the formidable team that is putting the Artemis Fowl animation on screen. Everyone is so talented and so positive that I feel certain the fairy world is in excellent hands.

For anyone who missed the books (released way back in 2001), the story’s about a 13-year-old criminal mastermind who finds out the world’s full of high-tech fairies, proceeds to kidnap one, and tries to nick enough magic to save his family. It’s always had big, odd energy — ripe for animation if nothing else.

Who’s Pulling the Strings?

Disney’s left a few blanks. At this point, there’s no cast, air date, or episode count. Colleen Evanson, whose past work includes DuckTales (the 2017 run) and Monsters At Work, is on as co-showrunner and recorded the actual announcement on the ground at NYCC. Given her animation CV, it’s not the worst sign for where the style might head.

Disney Kids & Family top brass Ayo Davis framed the whole thing as a way to both pull in new blood and win back those who actually read the originals, saying:

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. 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.

• Eoin Colfer is on as executive producer, having created Artemis in 2001
• Disney Channel and Disney+ are both getting the series
• Colleen Evanson is co-showrunner
• There’s still no announced cast, release date, or firm episode count

Having Colfer involved at every stage should — in theory — keep things closer to the tone of the books, which is more than you could say for the 2020 adaptation. Either way, the fairy world’s getting another go round, and this time, Disney’s betting you’ll give it another shot.