Production has started on the Disney movie adaptation of Artemis Fowl

Based on the international best selling books by Irishman Eoin Colfer, the Artemis Foul movie is set to be shot in various locations including Northern Ireland, England and Ho Chi Minh City.

The adaptation of the sci-fi series of novels will be directed by acclaimed Northern Irish actor, producer, and director Kenneth Branagh whose previous work includes Thor (2011) and Cinderella (2015).

Kilkenny native Ferdia Shaw will play the eponymous character, with Irish actress Lara McDonnell playing Captain Holly Short. Academy Award-winner Dame Judi Dench is set to play Commander Root, the leader of the reconnaissance division of the fairy police force.

Other members of the cast include Josh McGuire (“About Time”), Hong Chau (“Downsizing”), Nikesh Patel (“London Has Fallen”), Michael Abubakar (“Trust Me”), Jake Davies (“A Brilliant Young Mind”), Rachel Denning (“Doctor Who”), Matt Jessup (“Dread”), Simone Kirby (“Alice Through the Looking Glass”), Sally Messham (“Allied”) and Adrian Scarborough (“Les Misérables”).

Since publishing the first Artemis Fowl novel in 2001, Wexford native Eoin Colfer a former school teacher has gone on to literary fame with more than half of his books reaching The New York Time bestseller list at least once whilst building a considerable fan base of children and adults alike.