The ending of Artemis Fowl sets up a sequel for Disney to make, if they want to continue the story. Artemis Fowl is the latest release from Disney and their attempt to find a new fantasy franchise based on pre-existing source material. Instead of remaking one of their animated movies again, director Kenneth Branagh was tasked with bringing Eoin Colfer’s popular fantasy YA series to the big screen. After multiple delays and theaters shutting down due to coronavirus though, Artemis Fowl has now been released on Disney+.
Artemis Fowl is a loose adaptation of Colfer’s novels, as the movie’s plot is very different than readers know. Artemis Fowl Jr., a 12-year-old genius with knowledge of a secret fantasy world from his father, is the main character in the story. The movie follows Artemis’ attempt to save his dad after he is accused of being a master thief and kidnapped. Artemis Fowl Sr. will be returned safely if Artemis can locate the Aculos, which can open doorways to other worlds in the universe. With the help of Butler, Holly Short, and Mulch Diggims though, Artemis is able to use the Aculos to bring his dad back to Fowl Manner – foiling the plans of Opal Koboi, the film’s mysterious villain, in the process.
Thanks to this ending for Artemis Fowl, the story of Artemis Fowl 2 is clearly set up. One of the final scenes of the movie sees Artemis call Opal to gloat about his victory over the mystery fairy. Opal teases Artemis that he has no idea what world he’s just become a part of, which is an obvious tease of what other elements could be explored in Artemis Fowl 2. Meanwhile, Holly is given permission by LEPRECON to investigate the death of her father, Beechwood. Since he died keeping the Aculos from Opal, it is presumed that she is responsible for his death. So, with Artemis and Holly having vendettas against Opal, the set up is already there for Artemis Fowl 2‘s story to revolve around Artemis and the fairies going after Opal.
The end of Artemis Fowl might set up a sequel, but one does not appear to be on the horizon. Disney’s franchise hopes are clear but so too is the studio’s lack of confidence that one will happen. They delayed Artemis Fowl several months to give themselves the necessary time to try and salvage the film, but the incredibly low critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes makes it apparent that they were not successful. Disney even moved the film to Disney+ instead of trying to make some money at the box office, possibly in an attempt to save the film from being a certifiable financial disaster in addition to Artemis Fowl‘s bad reviews.
Even if Disney still wants to make Artemis Fowl 2 (theoretically after the movie performs extremely well on Disney+), some massive changes will need to be made now. Ferdia Shaw, who plays Artemis in the film, is already 16-years-old and is growing and maturing quickly like every other kid. His age would likely force Artemis Fowl 2 to take place many years after the first movie, unless Disney wanted to attempt de-aging a teenager like the younger versions of the Loser’s Club in IT Chapter 2.
Ultimately, the sequel set up for Artemis Fowl 2 will probably go unfulfilled, which could be for the best. Instead of fans of the books watching the movies continue to veer away from the source material, the likelihood is that Disney’s hopes for an Artemis Fowl franchise will disappear. It might take some time, but perhaps this will allow for a more faithful adaptation to be made in the future.
