Hollywood calling for ‘Artemis Fowl’

Irish children’s book series Artemis Fowl could become the next Harry Potter as Hollywood giants Harvey Weinstein and Robert De Niro are backing a big-screen version of Eoin Colfer’s novels.

Weinstein bought the film rights when he was still at Miramax in 2001, not long after the first book featuring the 12-year-old millionaire genius hit the shelves.

Now out on his own, he has teamed up with Walt Disney Studios — which subsequently bought Miramax — for the movie which the Wexford author expects will not reach cinemas for at least 18 months.