Artemis Fowl’s film adaptation to be made by Disney, Harvey Weinstein, Robert De Niro

Big screen adaptations based on international bestsellers have become a common trend in the present Hollywood. To follow the trend, Disney and Harvey Weinstein have joined hands to develop a film from Eoin Colfer’s bestseller Artemis Fowl. Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal have also joined the project as executive producers.

The book series, comprising eight novels, is about a 12-year-old criminal mastermind. The series has been published in 44 languages and have already sold more than 21 million copies. The first two books will be adapted for the first movie by Michael Goldenberg, the man behind the adapted script of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Hopes are on that this movie will lead to a multi-film franchise. The first Artemis Fowl book, which did hit the markets in 2001, got immediate comparison with Harry Potter series as its main protagonist is also a witty youth.

Sean Bailey, Disney's president of production, stated, "With itsbalance of mystery, adventure and family appeal,Artemis Fowlis a natural fit for Disney,” adding that, “We’re looking forward tocollaborating with Harvey on this exciting project.” With this project Disney and Weinstein are also on their way of reunion and the latter acknowledged the renewed partnership through a statement. "If you would have told me five years ago I would be producing a project with Disney I would have thought you were crazy,” Weinstein, co-chairman of the Weinstein Company, revealed. He also said, “I feel as though everything is coming full circle considering Bob DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal brought me this book while I was still at Miramax and within hours I told them I wanted the rights to the film.” He added, "This is a special project for me because my children absolutely love this book.This story is for everyone and there is no one better than Disney to make a film that will excite people young and old.”