'Artemis Fowl' to forgo theatrical release, will debut exclusively on Disney+
"Artemis Fowl," originally slated to hit the big screen on May 29, will now forgo a theatrical release entirely and debut exclusively on Disney+, Walt Disney Studios announced Friday.
An official date has not yet been given, but a press release said it will be revealed "soon."
"With audiences largely unable to attend theatres in the current environment, we are thrilled to offer the premiere of 'Artemis Fowl' on Disney+,” Ricky Strauss, president of content and marketing at the streaming site, said, referencing the novel coronavirus pandemic's effect on the entertainment industry with the closure of cinemas.
Strauss praised director Kenneth Branagh and the cast -- led by newcomer Ferdia Shaw in the titular role -- for bringing the beloved book to life. He also called it "great family entertainment that is the perfect addition to Disney+'s summer lineup."
The movie, based on Eoin Colfer’s 2001 young adult book of the same name, follows a 12-year-old genius (Shaw), a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. Young Artemis Fowl embarks on a journey to reunite with his father and finds himself in the otherworldly -- and extremely dangerous -- realm of the fairies.
Starring alongside Shaw in the film are Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Josh McGuire, Nikesh Patel, Adrian Scarborough, Colin Farrell and Judi Dench.
Additionally, Disney announced Friday that "Mulan" will now premiere on June 24 and "Jungle Cruise" will hit theaters July 30, 2021.
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