The bestselling young adult literature "Artemis Fowl," penned by Irish author Eoin Colfer, will have a Disney adaptation on the big screen. The film adaptation will be directed by the high calibrated "Cinderella" director, Kenneth Branagh.
It has been more than a decade since the development for Disne's adaptation of "Artemis Fowl" was left in limbo, Review Journal reports. With the news that Branagh has signed on to develop the feature with the studio as its director, a hope for the YA book fans finally grows once again.
Branagh will reportedly be working with another Irish talent, playwright Conor McPherson who is currently in talks to pen the script. McPherson's involvement is still unconfirmed and indistinct as he is yet to sign a deal to commit to the adaptation. However, the signs are pointing to the direction that he will likely work for the adaptation.
Belfast born Branagh is one of the most sought-after directors in Hollywood. His latest film with Disney, "Cinderella" which released earlier this year grossed more than half a billion dollars worldwide, according to Cinema Blend.
Written by Eoin Colfer, the book series is composed of eight books and follows the titular 12-year-old millionaire and criminal genius who schemes to extort gold from the secret Fairy People. He does not realize what he is up against and came in direct conflict with some of the most villainous and perilous creatures on the Earth. In the process and over the series, Fowl becomes a kind of antihero rather than a complete baddie. He often works with the fairies to stop a swerve of deceitful megalomaniacs.
Colfer reacted excitedly in a video he posted on YouTube, Enzstars narrates. He was thrilled that Branagh and McPherson are Irish descendants. The writer reportedly celebrates for "a double whammy of Irish talent." He said that the adaptation "couldn't be in better hands."
"If this finally goes ahead it will have been worth the wait," Colfer further stated. Branagh will also produce alongside Harvey Weinstein.
This long overdue adaptation will surely excite both the book series fans and the movie fanatics. Thirteen million copies of the series have been sold worldwide, so it surely comes with a ready-made audience.
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