Artemis Fowl has a new trailer, and we have an exclusive interview with the author of the hit series, Eoin Colfer. Hear what he has to say about seeing his creation lifted from the pages of his novels.
It’s been over 15 years since readers first got their hands on the Artemis Fowl series by author Eoin Colfer. The now concluded series follows the life of the titular character, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who is not exactly the child you want to invite to a birthday party.
In the first novel, Artemis’ family loses their fortune, and in an attempt to get it back, he kidnaps the head of the LEPRecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance force), Holly Short.
In the trailer, we see a similar story set up. However, Artemis is, shall we say, a bit more likeable at first glance. His father, Aretmis Fowl I, is a collector of sorts and Artemis does not exactly have a problem following in his father’s footsteps.
In the latest look, it appears that things have shifted slightly to accommodate a partnership with Holly Short: “I’m your ally on the other side” stands in place of a ransom for gold.
Check out the trailer below and then read on to hear from Eoin Colfer who spoke to us about being on set and the film’s long journey to the screen. Plus, be on the look out this May to see Colfer make an appearance in the final film!
Related: Artemis Fowl movie wishlist: Book moments we hope to see on screen
Watch the ‘Artemis Fowl’ trailer
Q&A with author Eoin Colfer
Hypable:I’ve read (and reread) Artemis Fowl at many different stages of my life, and I can imagine for most early readers, the release of the movie can seem so far removed from their first connection with Artemis Fowl. What about the film surprised you and will connect with those fans who are returning after what may be a long hiatus from the series?
I was surprised by how well the mood of the books was captured, and even more than that, the look. Disney managed to somehow recreate almost exactly the pictures that were in my head. This is all the more surprising because they took all their cues from the text apart from a very general conversation I had with the team before the process even started, so such a spot on adaptation is a little startling; in a very good way.
The development of the Artemis Fowl movie has certainly been a long time coming. What about this do you think worked in the film’s favor and what might have been hindered by this?
It has been 20 years since the film rights were optioned, but I think that the stars had to properly align to allow this particular team of filmmakers to assemble it. Twenty years ago, Lara [McDonnell] and Ferdia [Shaw] (Holly and Artemis) would not have even been born yet. And, Kenneth Branagh would have been on the road to El Dorado and Judi Dench was taking care of 007, so in hindsight, I am so glad we waited.
You have a cameo in the film. What was the experience of seeing firsthand these characters in action and watching the world come to life through watching the actors?
I found out firsthand how much craft is involved in acting and how little of that craft I possessed, so that is the end of my acting career. However, my respect for every single professional on that set has soared. Like many people, I thought that acting was all pretending and parties. It is absolutely not like that. It is a job for dedicated professionals, who love their work and are prepared to do it for 18 hours a day.
Which character changed or surprised you the most as you saw them go from page to the final cut on screen?
The character of Commander Root was gender-switched to be played by Dame Judi Dench, who is inarguably one of the finest actors of any generation. I was surprised when this happened, but the moment I saw a clip of her in action, I relaxed completely. I think fans will love her interpretation.
Which setting was the most exciting to see brought to life?
For me, the Lower Elements Police station (LEPrecon) was wonderful because my description of it in the books is quite sparse; so Jim Clay, the production designer, and his team, had to conjure it from very few directions and they did a sublime job. I walked through that practical set with my jaw thoroughly dropped. I can’t wait for people to see it.
And, perhaps most important of all, does the Artemis Fowl humor hold up?
I have four words for you: Josh Gad farting dwarf. I think that more than answers the questions. There are many laugh out loud moments, but the inimitable Mr. Gad had me laughing every time he appeared on screen. After a while I couldn’t remember if the jokes were mine or his. Most were his, I suspect.
Catch the Artemis Fowl movie when it hits theaters May 29, 2020. A new poster was also unveiled today:
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