Attention Roald Dahl Fans: Steven Spielberg is Adapting ‘The BFG!’
Following in a long line of a wonderful tradition, Roald Dahl’s The BFG is getting the movie treatment. And better yet, Steven Spielberg will be at the helm. The film is set to be released July 1, 2016.
There was an animated version made in 1989, but methinks a Spielberg will be a bit more spectacular. But I hope it can maintain the magic and charm of the story, which tells the tale of a Big Friendly Giant (the only friendly one around) who whisks away the orphan, Sophie, and together they have a series of adventures including saving England from the evil, human bean-eating giants.
The script is being penned by Melissa Mathison, who happens to be the screenwriter behind the glorious E.T., so I think the heart of Dahl’s original work should be safe in her hands.
While not every previous film adaptation of Dahl’s works has been a home run, I have high hopes for The BFG. Some of the best family films around have sprung from the mind of Roald Dahl and in 2016 The BFG, with some of that Spielberg magic, will join the ranks of those classics.
Let’s take a walk down the Dahl movie hall of fame:
My personal favorite, this story reached so much success it went on to be a hit musical.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson’s quirky style plus stop motion animation equals perfection.
James and the Giant Peach
The director of The Nightmare Before Christmas infused James’s story with his awesome trademark animation style.
The Witches
Possibly one of the scariest kids movies around. With effects by Jim Henson’s Creature Workshop, it both delights and terrifies.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Dahl may not have been a fan but this movie was my childhood. And is far superior to the 2005 remake.
