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April 3, 2020

'Artemis Fowl' to forgo theatrical release, will debut exclusively on Disney+

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"Artemis Fowl," originally slated to hit the big screen on May 29, will now forgo a theatrical release entirely and debut exclusively on Disney+, Walt Disney Studios announced Friday.

An official date has not yet been given, but a press release said it will be revealed "soon."

MORE: Here's everything coming to Disney+ in April

"With audiences largely unable to attend theatres in the current environment, we are thrilled to offer the premiere of 'Artemis Fowl' on Disney+,” Ricky Strauss, president of content and marketing at the streaming site, said, referencing the novel coronavirus pandemic's effect on the entertainment industry with the closure of cinemas.

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Strauss praised director Kenneth Branagh and the cast -- led by newcomer Ferdia Shaw in the titular role -- for bringing the beloved book to life. He also called it "great family entertainment that is the perfect addition to Disney+'s summer lineup."

MORE: Here's everything coming to Disney+ in April

The movie, based on Eoin Colfer’s 2001 young adult book of the same name, follows a 12-year-old genius (Shaw), a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. Young Artemis Fowl embarks on a journey to reunite with his father and finds himself in the otherworldly -- and extremely dangerous -- realm of the fairies.

Starring alongside Shaw in the film are Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Josh McGuire, Nikesh Patel, Adrian Scarborough, Colin Farrell and Judi Dench.

Additionally, Disney announced Friday that "Mulan" will now premiere on June 24 and "Jungle Cruise" will hit theaters July 30, 2021.

"Hello All. The words Loyal, Brave, and True have never meant more to me than they do in this time, and I am very moved today to be able to announce that the new release date for our movie is July 24 2020 ❤️" (via Niki Caro) pic.twitter.com/9WB3Zz9UvK

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) April 3, 2020

"Sharing a biz update in the world of entertainment and movies 🎥 🎭

Our @disneystudios JUNGLE CRUISE is officially pushed by one year to be released JULY 30, 2021." (via @TheRock) pic.twitter.com/YpH6fz399w

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) April 3, 2020

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and "Good Morning America."