Disney Is Producing The Steven Spielberg-Directed Adaptation Of ‘The BFG’

Before typing a word of this I’m already legitimately weeping a single tear of joy, so get ready to have all your child-like senses of wonder warmed right down to the very cockles of their hearts.

Not only is there a live action big screen adaptation of Roald Dahl‘s much beloved novel The BFG in the works, and not only is legendary director Steven Spielberg sitting in the chair to bring it to life, but Disney has now officially jumped on board as a co-producer, partnering up with Dreamworks to bring this supremely joyous tale to cinemas around the world.
Spielberg is once again working on a script written by Melissa Mathison – the pair having famously worked together on the iconic E.T. back in the 80s – with production on the film already underway in Vancouver. It also marks the first time Spielberg has directed a film for Disney, and he confirmed his enthusiasm for the collaboration in a short statement that went a little something like this.

“In more than 40 years of making movies, I have been on the producing end of a number of films for The Walt Disney Company, but never as a director. It is a special joy to be in the director’s chair as we start ‘The BFG,’ alongside my long-time friends and film collaborators Kathy Kennedy, who introduced me to this project, Frank Marshall and Melissa Mathison. Together with them and Disney, there are many reasons why I am so excited about this joint venture.”


Dreamworks CEO Michael Wright also chimed in thusly.

“This partnership speaks to the spirit of storytelling and the kinds of movies that we make here. Over the years, we have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration, and we couldn’t be more excited to be working with Disney in this expanded capacity on ‘The BFG.’”


What’s more, the cast for the film has also been revealed, and it includes names like Bill Hader, Jermaine Clement, Michael David Adamthwaite, Daniel Bacon, Chris Gibbs, Adam Godley, Jonathan Holmes, Paul Moinz de Sa and Olafur Olaffson who will all play the film’s cast of bloodthirsty giants.

Meanwhile Penelope Wilton will be playing the Queen of England, Rebecca Hall will be her maid, Mary, Tony Award-winner Mark Rylance will fill the role of the titular Big Friendly Giant, and 10 year-old Ruby Barnhill will play the protagonist Sophie.
The film is scheduled for release in July of 2016.
via Uproxx and People.

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