Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of Artemis Fowl has found its title character in newcomer Ferdia Shaw. Shaw was cast alongside Frozen's Josh Gad, Oscar winner Judi Dench, Lara McDonnell and Nonso Anozie.

Shaw will play Artemis Fowl, a "12-year-old genius... [who] finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance." Anozie will appear as Butler, Artemis' "formidable bodyguard."

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On the flip side, McDonnell will fill the role of "the elf hero" Captain Holly Short, who will report to Dench's Commander Root, "the steely leader of the fairy police force (LEPrecon)." Gad will play "a kleptomaniacal dwarf" named Mulch Diggums, "who works for the fairies -- and himself."

Produced by Branagh and Judy Hofflund, Artemis Fowl will kick off production in the UK early next year. Debuting in 2001, the the eight-book series follows the adventures of Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who, in the first novel, who hatches a dangerous plot to extort the Fairy People in an attempt to restore his family’s fortune.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh off a script by Conor McPherson, Artemis Fowl is scheduled to hit theaters on August 9, 2019.