Disney select Irish newcomer for title role in big screen adaptation of Artemis Fowl

Irish newcomer Ferdia Shaw has been selected to play Artemis Fowl in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s bestselling fantasy book series Artemis Fowl.

Irish newcomer Ferdia Shaw has been selected to play Artemis Fowl in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s bestselling fantasy book series Artemis Fowl.

Ferdia Shaw successed the 1,200 candidates who auditioned for the role and will make his onscreen debut in the title role.

He joins fellow Irish actor Lara McDonnell, Academy Award winner Judi Dench, Games of Thrones’ Nonso Anozie and the voice of Frozen’s beloved Olaf, Josh Gad, in the live-action adaptation.

Ferdia will play the 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds who finds himself in battle against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who could be responsible for his father’s disappearance.

Lara McDonnell is cast as the elf hero Captain Holly Short, Judi Dench takes on the role of leader of the fairy police Commander Root, Nonso Anozie takes on the role of Artemis Fowl’s bodyguard Butler and Josh Gad is to play dwarf Mulch Diggums.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh and produced by Branagh and Judy Hofflund, the movie will be released in Irish cinemas in 2019.

Bestselling children’s author Eoin Colfer.