Another one of your favorite childhood memories is about to be cinematically realized, because Steven Spielberg has just announced he will film a live-action adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1982 classic, The BFG, for DreamWorks. Everyone’s favorite big, friendly giant is finally set to head to the big screen after several years in wait and a handful of directors attached to the project.
Planned for a 2016 release, Spielberg has been quiet on the directorial front since the 2012 biopic Lincoln, which isn’t to say that he doesn’t have other projects slated — he does. In addition to the hotly anticipated Robopocalypse and the Aztec-Spanish conquistador flick Montezuma, the director has also lined up an adaptation of the David Kertzer novel The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara in addition to a Tom Hanks-fronted, untitled Cold War project written by Matt Charman (Suite Française). This one, however, is likely the first one to be released since the aforementioned story of Honest Abe.
For those that somehow missed the book growing up, The BFG tells the story of Sophie, a young orphan who ends up being whisked away by the Big Friendly Giant after seeing him walking the streets at night. What unfolds is a battle between the good, vegetarian giant and the bigger, badder, people-eating giants that also roam about. Previously, the story has been adapted for both a theater production and a popular 1989 animated TV movie in the U.K.
What do you think of Spielberg’s choice to direct a Dahl story? Let us know in the comments!
After larrikins, will Tim Minchin be free to work on another Dahl story?? Just guessing.
I’d love to see Minchin do all kinds of things…he’s the funniest person on the planet.
Maybe it’s from playing too many hours of Doom, but this isn’t the first thing I think of when I hear BFG.
This was my favorite book growing up! It got me to read all of Mr. Dahl’s books. After I read Matilda, May parents showed me the movie. Since then I had decided that I would be perfect for the part and had wanted to play Sophie in the movie addaption. Sadly I am now grown and can no longer be considered for the part. But definatly plan on seeing it!
I’ve never heard of this book or story. I was almost ten when it came out. Odd.
I’m personally a huge fan of the 1989 Cosgrove Hall animated version. Here’s hoping that Spielberg doesn’t ruin that for me.
This will be a great adaptation of “The BFG” in live action. I hope they give Sophie long hair in this movie just like in the book.
Can’t wait! My two favorite chapters are Dreams, and of course, Frobscottle and Whizpoppers. I read this book to my 3rd graders every year. They’ll be so excited to hear about the upcoming movie!!!
Great to hear!! Bring on the Filthsome Snozzcumbers!
How weird! Only a few months ago I discovered that a thing I watched all the time as a kid but only remembered bits of was The BFG. Scary ass Fleshlumpeater.