Kenneth Branagh is set to bring the story of Artemis Fowl to life and he’s bringing some of his Murder on the Orient Express friends along for the ride.
Branagh will direct the live-adaptation for Disney and joining him are Josh Gad as Mulch Diggums – a kleptomaniacal dwarf who works for the fairies—and himself – and Judi Dench as Commander Root – the steely leader of the fairy police force (LEPrecon). After auditioning over 1200 young actors for the lead role, Irish newcomer Ferdia Shaw will make his onscreen debut as 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl who finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance.
It has also been announced that Lara McDonnell will Captain Holly Short, the elf hero, and Nonso Anozie will play Butler, Artemis Fowl’s formidable bodyguard.
Based on the bestselling book series by Eoin Colfer and with a screenplay by award-winning playwright Conor McPherson, Artemis Fowl is slated for release in U.S. theaters on August 9, 2019. Branagh previously directed Thor and Cinderella for Disney.
