Roald Dahl is one of the most celebrated and loved children's authors of all time and next summer the BFG is set to hit the big screen.
The BFG
The BFG is one of Dahl's most iconic character creations and the live-action blockbuster is set to be one of the biggest films of next summer... oh yes, it also sees Steven Spielberg back in the director's chair.
We have only just had a Spielberg movie hit the big screen and it is fantastic that we are going to be introduced to another so quickly. I don't know about you, but it is always exciting when a new Spielberg movie is on the horizon.
I know that we do have quite a wait until the BFG is finally released, but the first teaser trailer and image from the movie have been unveiled:
The BFG will see Spielberg reunite with actor Mark Rylance - who has just starred alongside Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies - and he takes on the title role.
A fantastic cast has been assembled around him as Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement, Penelope Wilton, and Rebecca Hall, and Rafe Spall are on board. We will also be introduced to the acting talents of Ruby Barnhill, as she takes on the role of Sophie. The BFG will be the first film role of her career.
The BFG (Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumbers and Frobscottle.
Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams.
Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows. But Sophie's presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome.
Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.
The BFG is one of Dahl's greatest children's books and I cannot wait to see Spielberg - who is just as great storyteller - bring it to life on the big screen.
The BFG is released July 22nd 2016.
Tagged in Stephen Spielberg Roald Dahl