Disney’s ‘The BFG’ is bringing our childhood bookworm dreams to life

The BFG, which was first published in 1982, had a warm, fuzzy place in my heart — as did all of Roald Dahl’s stories, which were entrenched with magical realism and mighty underdogs who went up against cruel aunts and witches and principals. The BFG was special, though. The story of the big friendly giant who befriends Sophie, an orphan, provided hope and whimsy and adventure for every kid in the ’80s and ’90s. And even today, the story still holds. …Which is why it’s being made into a movie!

Directed by Steven Spielberg (know him?), written by Melissa Mathison (of E.T. fame!), and starring Bill Hader, Mark Rylance, Jermaine Clement (hello, Flight of the Conchords), Rebecca Hall, and Ruby Barnhill, The BFG film adaptation already sounds like a dream. Mark Rylance will be playing our beloved BFG alongside Ruby Barnhill, who’s our curious Sophie. According to The Mirror, Bill Hader and Jermaine Clement are portraying giants, Penelope Wilton is The Queen, and the lovely Rebecca Hall is Mary, the queen’s maid.

This is Steven Spielberg’s first-ever Walt Disney Company movie, but we have complete faith he will transform the book into an incredible film.

The Mirror reports that he’s “thrilled” to be a part of such an awesome project. Spielberg states, “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.”

We feel you. We’re pretty excited too!

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