Ryan Coogler Revives Animorphs for Disney+

Remember those books that let you transform into animals and fight aliens? Get ready, because the ‘Animorphs’ series is officially making a comeback, and it’s heading to Disney+! This cult classic, which shaped a generation of young sci-fi fans, is being eyed as Disney’s next big franchise.

Acclaimed director Ryan Coogler, known for his work on ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther,’ is attached as an executive producer. This ambitious YA reboot is already generating a lot of buzz, placing Coogler at the helm of one of the most anticipated series in development.

What’s the Story Behind Animorphs?

The original ‘Animorphs’ book series, created by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant, ran for an impressive 54 installments under Scholastic. It captured a massive fanbase with its unique blend of intense themes: think body horror, the realities of war, and the universal struggles of growing up.

The official logline for the new series promises to keep that same compelling energy. It follows a group of teenagers who stumble upon a hidden, sinister threat lurking just beneath the surface of their ordinary lives. All this, while they’re still navigating the usual teenage dramas – relationships, curfews, and the general chaos of high school.

The Team Behind the Reboot

Ryan Coogler isn’t working alone on this massive project. He’s joined by his long-time creative partner and wife, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, all under their Proximity Media banner. Scholastic’s Iole Lucchese and Caitlin Friedman are also involved, with Simone Harris and Dezi Gallegos overseeing the development.

The Core Concept: Identity and Invasion

At its heart, ‘Animorphs’ is about teenagers who gain the extraordinary ability to morph into any animal they’ve touched. This power becomes their secret weapon as they fight a clandestine alien invasion. The themes of identity, power, and the paranoia that comes with a secret war feel perfectly suited to Coogler’s storytelling style.

With Coogler also reportedly developing an ‘X-Files’ reboot, this ‘Animorphs’ project signals a clear direction: reimagining beloved, familiar worlds with heightened stakes and a fresh perspective. It’s an exciting time for sci-fi fans!