Made by Kenneth Branagh, the film takes its cues from the hugely popular Eoin Colfer book and boasts a cast including Dame Judi Dench. It finds its way to big screens on August 9 next summer. Colfer’s original novel was released back in 2001 and spawned a whole series of eight adventures – which only finished in 2012. In this first story, Fowl – a twelve-year-old child prodigy – discovers the existence of a fairy world… and tries to rob it.
Described initially by Colfer as “Die Hard with fairies”, it sees Fowl kidnapping a fairy for a large ransom in gold.
The movie stars Ferida Shaw in the title role, with Lara McDonnell as Captain Holly Short.
Nonso Anozie plays Butler, Judi Dench is Commander Root, and Josh Gad will play Mulch Diggums.
Other stars include Hong Chau, Tamara Smart, Nikesh Patel and Adrian Scarborough.
This film has been a long time coming: plans were first announced back in 2001, with Colfer declaring a screenplay ready to go in 2003.
The final product is written by Michael Goldenberg, Adam Kline and Conor McPherson, with Branagh producing alongside Judy Hofflund.
It’s part of what’s shaping up to be a huge year for Disney, with the likes of Avengers 4 and Star Wars: Episode 9 also en route.
They are also gearing up to release three live-action adaptations of animated classics: Dumbo, Aladdin and The Lion King.
Group all of that with the release of Frozen 2 next Christmas, and it seems the House of Mouse is on course for one of its busiest years yet.
What’s more, they’ll release Mary Poppins Returns – starring Emily Blunt as the iconic nanny – before 2018 is out; and Ralph Breaks The Internet is currently enjoying huge success in the US.
Artemis Fowl’s release date will be slightly later in some territories: Australia and New Zealand won’t get it until November 28 next year, according to IMDb.
Artemis Fowl is out on August 9, 2019.