Kenneth Branagh’s live-action adaptation of Artemis Fowl, the popular science fiction series by Eoin Colfer, is finally moving forward after twenty years. Branagh’s adaptation took nearly two decades after being stuck in, what multiple news sources call, “development hell.” Well, Disney has just now revealed its first casting choices and fans across the world of the eight book series are rejoicing. Ferdia Shaw’s first role will be a big one: he will play the main character and will be surrounded by an all-star cast: Nonso Anozie, Josh Gad, Lara McDonnell, and Dame Judi Dench.

Dench, known for roles in thrilling films like Skyfall and Murder on the Orient Express, will play the commander in charge of the fairy police. Anozie, has been cast as Butler, the imposing bodyguard of the protagonist; McDonnell is set to play Captain Holly Short, who has a reputation for her brave actions; and Gad has been cast as Mulch Diggums, who has a penchant for stealing.

Shaw was picked from an array of over one thousand young actors for the plum role of pre-teen Fowl. The movie will center around his war of the wits with a secret fairy race (of which Dench’s character is a part), who he suspects have engendered his father’s mysterious absence.

Fans can expect to see Artemis Fowl in theaters starting on August 9, 2019. As of now, the film is in pre-production.