Over the last few years, Disney has slowly took control over a number of notable franchises. Aside from Pixar studios, the company controls Marvel comics and "Star Wars" brands. Now "Artemis Fowl" will join the company's list of franchises to build on.
Reports on Monday indicated that Disney has partnered with The Weinstein Company to release the franchise's first film in coming years. The first movie will reportedly cover the first two installments in the franchise.
Written by Eion Colfer, "Artemis Fowl" tells the story of a 12-year-old millionaire criminal mastermind. The series featured eight books released between 2001 and 2012 and sold more than 21 million copies worldwide.
Many were surprised by the collaboration between Weinstein and Disney, as the two companies have had problems in the past. According to Entertainment Weekly, Weinstein and his brother Bob sold Miramax to Disney and had a contentious relationship with former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. The brothers left the company in 2005 and tried to buy back Miramax from Disney and created a great deal of tension. However, the two companies seem to be on better terms these days, as the collaboration would suggest.
"If you would have told me five years ago I would be producing a project with Disney I would have thought you were crazy," Harvey said in the press release. "I feel as though everything is coming full circle considering Bob De Niro 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."
"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," Weinstein added.
"Harvey is one of the preeminent producers in the industry, with impeccable taste and creative instincts," said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, in the press release, adding: "I had a wonderful time working with Harvey during my tenure at Warner Bros., and I'm very happy to continue that relationship here at Disney."