Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer has told RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show that he had been "pushing" for the film of his fantasy adventure to premiere on Disney+ during the Covid-19 shutdown, and is happy the young criminal mastermind will take his bow on the streaming service soon.
The Kenneth Branagh-directed film, which stars Irish youngster Ferdia Shaw in the lead role opposite Colin Farrell and Judi Dench, had been due to open in cinemas on May 29, but release schedules were thrown into doubt due to the Covid-19 emergency. Colfer is hoping the film will still keep the May 29 date on Disney+, with more details due shortly.
"I don't think they decided to do it because I asked for it," he told D'Arcy. "The only way people are going to get to see it - certainly this year and possibly next year - would be on Disney+, because everything is being pushed back with the coronavirus at least a year."
The Wexford writer said the film is being treated as "a test case, and if it goes well it's going to happen more".
"As for a sequel, I've only sold Disney the first book, so if they want to do more they'd have to come back to me... That would be great if that would happen."
