A live-action adaptation of K.A. Applegate's '90s science fiction book series, "Animorphs," is in development at Disney+. The project, which centers on teenagers who can transform into animals to battle a clandestine alien threat, will be executive produced by Ryan Coogler, known for his work on "Black Panther" and "Sinners."
Coogler, along with his wife Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, will oversee the series through their production company, Proximity Media. Simone Harris, vice president and head of TV at Proximity Media, and Dezi Gallegos, director of TV development, are also involved. Scholastic's Iole Lucchese and Caitlin Friedman will also serve as executive producers. Bayan Wolcott is attached to write and executive produce.
The "Animorphs" series originally comprised 54 books, published between 1996 and 2001, and explored themes of war, morality, and growing up through the alternating first-person perspectives of its young protagonists. The books chronicle a group of adolescents who gain the ability to morph into any animal they touch after encountering a dying alien pilot, enlisting them in a secret war against an alien race known as the Yeerks, who are secretly infiltrating Earth.
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A Familiar Landscape for Coogler
This foray into "Animorphs" marks Coogler's second venture into rebooting a significant '90s science fiction property, following his involvement with a new iteration of "The X-Files." His involvement comes as his film "Sinners" garnered critical acclaim and Oscar recognition.
A History of Adaptation
The "Animorphs" books were previously adapted into a television series that aired on Nickelodeon, YTV, and Global Television Network from 1998 to 1999. That earlier show starred actors such as Shawn Ashmore, Brooke Nevin, Boris Cabrera, Nadia Nascimento, and Christopher Ralph. The series also spawned companion novels, including the "Animorphs Chronicles" and "Megamorphs" series, expanding upon the original narrative.
