Steven Spielberg to Direct Disney’s “The BFG”

In his first directing role with the Walt Disney Company, Steven Spielberg is to direct “The BFG.” Announced Monday, the film is based off of Ronald Dahl’s book, “The BFG.” BFG standing for Big Friendly Giant.

(PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTY IMAGES)
(PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTY IMAGES)

According to the press release, the company will ‘co-produce and co-finance’ Spielberg’s work. The film is aimed for a July 1, 2016, release and roles have already been. The announced cast includes Mark Rylance as the Big Friendly Giant and Ruby Barnhill as Sophie. In addition, Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement, Michael David Adamthwaite, Daniel Bacon, Chris Gibbs, Adam Godley, Jonathan Holmes, Paul Moniz de Sa and Olafur Olaffson, have all been cast as giants.

“The BFG” is the exciting tale of a young London girl and the mysterious Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.  Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) was published in 1982 and has been enchanting readers of all ages ever since.  Dahl’s books, which also include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Matilda” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” are currently available in 58 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide.

To share this breaking new, Spielberg had a few comments to share, ” 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.”

The script has been written by Melissa Mathison who also worked with Spielberg on“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.”

2016 will mark the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth.

What are your thoughts as to Spielberg directing for the first time with the Walt Disney Company?


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