Teen Spy Ben Ripley's CIA Academy Adventure Heads to Disney+ with 'Spy School' Series

Disney+ is developing a television adaptation of Stuart Gibbs' bestselling 'Spy School' book series, as reported by both Deadline and Variety. The upcoming drama series centers on Ben Ripley, a teenager recruited to what he believes is a magnet science school but soon discovers is actually a front for a CIA training academy.

2 sources

DeadlineDisney+ Developing 'Spy School' Series From Chris Fedak and Ryan Reynolds' Maximum EffortVarietyDisney+ Developing 'Spy School' TV Series Adaptation with Ryan Reynolds Producing

The project is being written by Chris Fedak, co-creator of 'Chuck', and is produced by Ryan Reynolds' production company Maximum Effort along with Emma Watts and 20th Television, according to Deadline. Variety confirmed the same production team, noting that Reynolds is attached as a producer on the adaptation.

Gibbs' 'Spy School' book series began in 2012 and has since expanded to 14 novels, with the latest installment scheduled for release in October 2026, Variety reported. The long-running middle-grade series has built a dedicated fanbase following Ben Ripley's adventures in espionage and counter-intelligence.

The adaptation marks another step in Disney+'s push to develop content based on popular book series, adding a spy-themed drama to its growing slate of original programming. Neither outlet specified a potential premiere date or casting for the series, which remains in early development.