Disney Signs on to Co-Finance Steven Spielberg's The BFG—Get the Details!

Roald Dahl's classic book will hit the big screen in 2016

By Francesca Bacardi Apr 13, 2015 7:42 PMTags
The BFG CoverPuffin Books

Our childhood dreams just became so much closer to coming true.

Walt Disney Studios has signed on to co-finance and co-produce Steven Spielberg's The BFG. Based on the Roald Dahl classic book, the movie has already casted Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall and Penelope Wilton. Previously announced cast include three-time Tony Award winner Mark Rylance who will play the titular BFG (big friendly giant) and newcomer Ruby Barnhill as Sophie.

Production is underway in Vancouver, and this marks Spielberg's first time directing a Disney movie.

"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," Spielberg said in a statement. "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."

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The BFG follows young Sophie who is introduced to the wonders and dangers of Giant Country by the titular character. Mathison, who last teamed up with Spielberg on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, will pen the script for the movie adaptationIt's set to be released on July 1, 2016, a date that is very close to the 100th anniversary of the author's birth.

DreamWorks Studios CEO Michael Wright also added, "This partnership speaks to the spirit of storytelling and the kinds of movies that we make here. Over the years, we have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration, and we couldn't be more excited to be working with Disney in this expanded capacity on The BFG."

Are you excited for this movie? Sound off in the comments below!