The pandemic threw theatrical movie releases into chaos, as lockdown orders compelled theater chains to shutter. Some blockbusters were moved to streaming platforms, including “Artemis Fowl.”
Originally slated for theaters on May 29. “Artemis Fowl,” directed by Kenneth Branagh, debuts today on Disney+. Based on Eoin Colfer’s fantasy novels, it centers on Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old prodigy and criminal mastermind.
How to Stream ‘Artemis Fowl’
- When: Available now on Disney+
- Stream: Watch with 7-Day Free Trial of Disney+
The first book in the series, published 2001, explores conflicts between good and evil and the destructive nature of greed.
The cast includes Ferdia Shaw, who plays Artemis, Colin Farrell, Judi Dench, Josh Gad, and Lara McDonnell.
Branagh said that while he was intrigued with the books, he took liberties with the source material to make Artemis more sympathetic and less villainous to audiences. He also enhanced the relationship with his father, played by Firth. All moves supported by Colfer.
“I wanted us to find the humanity inside the character,” Branagh told SlashFilm, noting his “Artemis Fowl” is more of an origin story in a “story arc that resembles something like Michael Corleone in ‘The Godfather.’”
He added: “I was less interested in presenting the story from the get-go, of a character who was marooned in a privileged life. I wanted us to find the humanity inside the character.”’