Josh Gad joins Judi Dench in “Artemis Fowl”

Disney's “Artemis Fowl” has found its lead with newcomer Ferdia Shaw, who will play the 12-year-old genius that runs his family's criminal empire.

Shaw, who will make his big-screen debut in the Kenneth Branagh-helmed adaptation, was cast as the lead after an extensive search, which included more than 1,200 possible candidates.

The movie was adapted for the screen by playwright Conor McPherson from Eoin Colfer's best-selling book series, which follows the intelligent Artemis as he attempts to uncover a hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father's disappearance.

Disney also announced that Josh Gad, who starred in the studio's live-action “Beauty and the Beast”, will be joining the cast as Mulch Diggums, a kleptomaniac dwarf who works for the fairies. 

Lara McDonnell will play the elf hero Captain Holly Short, and Nonso Anozie will play Artemis' bodyguard, Butler. It was previously reported that Judi Dench will star in the fantasy adventure, playing Commander Root, the steely leader of the fairy police force.

Disney will release Artemis Fowl on August 9, 2019.