Disney’s planned adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s young-adult fantasy novel Artemis Fowl may be back on track, with  Kenneth Branagh signing on to develop, according to Variety.

There have been many attempts to adapt the series since the book was first published, with Disney and Harvey Weinstein announcing plans to develop the first book in 2013. Branagh, who recently directed Walt Disney Pictures’ Cinderella, and directed Marvel’s Thor, is signed on to develop, with plans to direct the adaptation. Conor McPherson, an Irish playwright, is in talks to write the script.  Branagh, along with Harvey Weinstein, is attached to produce.

The popular young-adult series tells the story of the 12-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl II, a child prodigy who is the son of an Irish crime lord, and his misadventures antagonizing members of the fairy realm. The Disney Book Group produced graphic novel adaptations of the series beginning in 2007 (see “'Artemis Fowl', 'El Cazador' Coming this Fall”).