Disney may have access to a wide array of entertaining IPs. Still, they have been known to adapt some lesser-known material. One of them is Artemis Fowl, a brand new film adapation of the popular Eoin Colfer books of the same name. In those books, the titular protagonist is a criminal mastermind who kidnaps a fairy for a large ransom of gold with the help of his bodyguard and his sister, to restore the Fowl family fortune.
But this new trailer for the Artemis Fowl film adaptation shows that the criminal mastermind is being reshaped into becoming a hero. This is a significant change to the character who is described as cold, cynical, and ruthless in the books. It’s not clear why there was such a shift to make this happen, considering that the antihero aspect was part of the character’s appeal. So it will be interesting to see how fans will react to that change.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for Artemis Fowl:
Descended from a long line of criminal masterminds, 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance.
Disney’s “Artemis Fowl,” based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler, Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so, uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies. Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies. “Artemis Fowl” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Josh McGuire, Nikesh Patel, and Adrian Scarborough, with Colin Farrell and Judi Dench. Kenneth Branagh, p.g.a. and Judy Hofflund, p.g.a. are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive producers. Conor McPherson and Hamish McColl wrote the screenplay. Disney’s “Artemis Fowl” opens in U.S. theaters on May 29, 2020.
Artemis Fowl is directed by Kenneth Branagh, who uses a script written by Conor McPherson and Hamish McColl, based on a series of books written by Eoin Colfer. Colfer had some pretty interesting things to say about these changes, which hopefully can persuade those who are worried that the film has been Disneyfied.
“Disney and Kenneth Branagh have magically found a way to extract my imagination, mixed in a dollop of Disney magic, and projected the enchanted concoction onto the silver screen. I am very excited for audiences to see the film,” Eoin Colfer, author of “Artemis Fowl, said.
“Eoin Colfer created a landmark series of books and a totally original world of characters. We hope that fans familiar with this charismatic antihero, will also join a first-time cinema audience in enjoying a sea of surprises – cunning twists and turns in a typical Artemis Fowl style. His Irish adventures are breathless, exhilarating, energized escapades on a truly global scale. Inspired by his legendary cheekiness and wit, we’ve been privileged to introduce the myth from the page and hopefully create a new hero for the big screen. It’s been a real joy to be on that ride.” Branagh said.
Artemis Fowl stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Colin Farrell, and Judi Dench. It opens in theaters on May 29, 2019.
