THN have received the official news that the feature film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s universally loved classic THE BFG (the Big Friendly Giant), directed by Steven Spielberg, will be released on July 22, 2016 in the UK and backed by Entertainment One. First published in 1982, THE BFG, one of Roald Dahl’s most iconic books, with memorable illustrations by Quentin Blake, was recently voted amongst the top 10 favourite children’s books of the past 150 years. 2016 will also mark the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth.
Legendary film director Steven Spielberg will direct the new adaptation with Melissa Mathison, who last worked with Spielberg on ET, writing the script. Frank Marshall and Spielberg will produce the film and Kathleen Kennedy, John Madden and Michael Siegel are on board as executive producers, with it being a DreamWorks Studios and Amblin Entertainment production.
I was such a big fan of Dahl’s books as a kid and always have faith in Spielberg, so interested about what he’s going to put together. It’s a couple of years away, almost literally, so much casting and plans to come together! The legendary director had this to say:
“It is fitting that the UK is the first international country to announce the date of THE BFG, a story that sprang from the imagination of this proud son from Wales. We at DreamWorks Studios hope our film will add to Roald Dahl’s prolific legacy of entertainment.”
I love seeing that he’s so involved and there’s probably no-one better to understand a legacy and the importance of getting it right. It’s also great that Luke Kelly, Roald Dahl’s grandson and MD of the Roald Dahl Literary Estate, is looking forward to the team-up, he added:
“We are so thrilled and excited at this collaboration between two storytelling giants – Roald Dahl and Steven Spielberg. The fact that Steven is bringing one of my grandfather’s best-loved stories and characters to the big screen in the middle of the year in which we will celebrate Roald Dahl’s Centenary is even more fantastic.”
Roald Dahl has sold 200million books worldwide, 37million of these in the UK. The film adaptations of his books have grossed over £65million at the UK box office. We’ll bring you all the latest news of THE BFG as we hear!
