This might wind up being a literal case of don't judge a book by it's cover. I wrote off this series when it came out just based on it's cover art looking like another Harry Potter ripoff. Now I'm seeing this synopsis, & I'm thinking to reconsider not reading them. Artemis Fowl is a criminal that kidnaps one of the fairyfolk for the ransom of their gold, putting him on the radar of LEPrecon or the Lower Elements Police Reconnaisance Unit. Definitely not Potter, but seems it could be just as magical, & now there's an official cast. Kenneth Branagh will be taking the helm with a newcomer Ferdia Shaw to take the title role. This new attitude Disney has for casting the lead role to an unknown has been going for awhile, & absolutely love it. How better to get behind a character than having a fresh face to do so? Not to mention, we know we're getting the best out of this time, over 1200 candidates that tried out. Also announced were Josh Gad playing a kleptomaniacal dwarf, Judi Dench as Commander Root, leader of the police force, Lara McDonnell as Captain Holly Short, & Nonso Anozie as Butler, Fowl's bodyguard. Other than my feelings on the unknown, I really can't make a decision on the rest of the casting without knowing the story. I will say this though, you add Josh Gad & Judi Dench to anything, & you have not made a mistake at all. Do y'all have any thoughts on this casting? Especially anyone who has read the series, have they nailed it? Put it in the comments, like, & share.