Amazon MGM Studios Acquires Rights to ‘City Spies’ Children’s Book Series, Plans Global Film Franchise

• Amazon MGM Studios, the joint venture of Amazon Studios and MGM, has acquired the rights to produce a movie based on James Ponti’s best-selling children’s book series “City Spies.”
• The goal is to create a four-quadrant action-adventure movie that appeals to audiences of all ages and launches a global franchise.
• The story follows a 12-year-old coder recruited by an MI6 agent to join an international team of young spies on thrilling missions.
• The casting and creative team for the film have yet to be revealed; it remains uncertain if the movie will air in theaters or exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
• Ryder Picture Company successfully acquired the rights after defeating other production companies; Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett will produce, with Rachel Rubin as co-producer.

Amazon MGM Studios, the combined force of Amazon Studios and MGM, has secured the rights to James Ponti’s beloved children’s book series, “City Spies.” They are now in the process of developing a film based on the first book in the series.

The goal is to create a movie that will kickstart a thrilling global franchise. Described as a “four-quadrant action-adventure,” this film promises to captivate audiences of all ages and serve as a foundation for future stories.

The story revolves around a brilliant 12-year-old coder recruited by a quirky MI6 agent to join the City Spies, a team of talented kids from around the world who feel invisible in their own lives. When they’re not at their mundane boarding school, they’re honing their spy skills to navigate the shadows of the espionage realm. The cast and creative team have yet to be announced.

As it is still in the early stages of development, it remains uncertain whether these movies will hit theaters or be exclusively available on Amazon’s streaming platform, Prime Video. While most of Amazon’s previous original films have been streaming exclusives, the company has shown interest in utilizing the big screen as a marketing tool for its streaming services. Earlier this year, Amazon Studios expressed their intention to invest over $1 billion annually in producing 12 to 15 theatrical movies per year.

Ryder Picture Company successfully acquired the rights to produce “City Spies” after defeating several other production companies in the competition. The film will be produced by Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett, with Rachel Rubin as co-producer. Aaron Ryder, known for his involvement in successful productions like “Arrival” and “Memento,” brings valuable expertise to this project.

By acquiring the rights to “City Spies,” Amazon MGM Studios is gearing up to bring an exciting adventure to the big screen and captivate audiences worldwide. Get ready to join the City Spies on their thrilling missions.