The young star will make his onscreen debut in the role.
The search for an actor to take the title role in Artemis Fowl was as extensive as it was rigorous, with as many as 1,200 candidates showing up for the part.
However, it was Kilkenny-native Ferdia Shaw who took home the coveted role. Shaw is set to portray 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl in the upcoming film, due in cinemas on 9 August, 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_U810A1szQ
Shaw joins fellow Irish actor Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Judi Dench and Game of Thrones' Nonso Anozie in the Kenneth Branagh-directed film, which has a script by Irish playwright Conor McPherson.
Gad, of Murder on the Orient Express frame, is set to portray the role of Mulch Diggums, a kleptomaniacal dwarf who works for the fairies and for himself. Dench will portray Commander Root, the leader of the fairy police force, and McDonnell has been cast in the role of Captain Holly Short, the elf hero.
Production is set to begin early 2018 in the UK.
Based on the bestselling book series by Eoin Colfer, paired with a screenplay by award-winning playwright Conor McPherson, Artemis Fowl is slated for release in Irish cinemas in 2019.
JOE spoke to Eoin Colfer just last year about his new Marvel novel, Iron Man: The Gauntlet.
