Josh Gad in ‘Artemis Fowl’ remake

Actor Josh Gad has joined director Kenneth Branagh’s remake of Artemis Fowl, which will also veteran actress Judi Dench.

Branagh’s adaptation sees Gad star as Mulch Diggums, a kleptomaniac dwarf, and Dench as Commander Root, leader of the fairies, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

Actress Lara McDonnell has been cast as elf Captain Holly Short and Nonso Anozie will play the role of Artemis’ bodyguard Butler.

The film’s production is set to begin early next year in the UK.