The kid takes over in Artemis Fowl, an adaptation of the popular book of the same name from director Kenneth Branagh.
Born into a family of criminals, Artemis Fowl II was always destined for an unusual life. Then he began showing some opportune talents, so much so that by the age of 12 it was clear he would be a special member of his special family. Still, things were kept from him since he was still a child, at least until his father is taken captive and Artemis is forced to navigate a world much stranger than he imagined to save the day.
A book series as beloved as Artemis Fowl comes with all sorts of expectations, which luckily is familiar territory for Branagh. He’s led Murder on the Orient Express, Cinderella, and a bunch of Shakespeare adaptations to success, which should reassure fans that this might live up to its source material.
Still, this looks like a major departure from both the spirit and the plot of the Artemis Fowl books (admittedly I’ve not read them, but even a synopsis makes the differences unmistakable). And of course they went with a newcomer for the lead (Ferdia Shaw, who has literally no other credits to his name). No matter how many big names they throw in supporting roles and flashy effects they put onscreen, if they don’t get the kid right fans will revolt. This trailer alone seems to have put them on edge, so hopefully the final product isn’t as off as it seems.
Artemis Fowl is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, and Colin Farrell. It will be released in the US and the UK on May 29th, 2020. For international release dates, click here.
Are you confident in this adaptation or are you put off by the changes? Let us know in the comments!
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