A dame is heading up "Artemis Fowl."

The long-in-the-works adaptation of Eoin Colfer's young adult fantasy series has finally found its main stars. Director Kenneth Branagh has tapped Irish newcomer Ferdia Shaw in the titular lead role of a 12-year-old master criminal. Disney revealed that it had auditioned over 1,200 candidates for the part.

Oscar winner Judi Dench will play Commander Root, the steely leader of the fairy police force, and Josh Gad was cast as kleptomaniacal dwarf Mulch Diggums. This reunites the two actors with their "Murder on the Orient Express" director Branagh.

Also joining the cast are Lara McDonnell ("The Delinquent Season") as elf fairy Captain Holly Short and Nonso Anozie ("Cinderella") as bodyguard Butler.

The movie is an adaptation of the first of eight books. The story revolves around Artemis capturing Short and holding her ransom for gold.

"Artemis Fowl" is slated for release August 9, 2019.