Los Angeles, CA (April 25, 2014) – DreamWorks Studios announced today that Steven Spielberg will direct the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic children’s novel, “The BFG.” Published in 1982, “The BFG” tells the story of a little girl who leads a friendly giant and the Queen of England on a mission to stop the fiercer, man-eating giants from gobbling children.
DreamWorks acquired the rights to the book in 2010 after Kathleen Kennedy brought it to the company. Melissa Mathison, who last teamed with Spielberg and Kennedy on “E.T.”, has written the screenplay. Frank Marshall will produce with Michael Siegel and John Madden, who are on board as Executive Producers. Madden was originally slated to direct “The BFG” but relinquished his directing duties in order to focus on his next film, the sequel to the international smash hit, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
Spielberg will begin production on “The BFG” in the first quarter of 2015 with a projected release date in the second quarter of 2016.
“The BFG” has enchanted families and their children for more than three decades. We are honored that the Roald Dahl estate has entrusted us with this classic story,” said Steven Spielberg. “I am pleased to be reunited with Melissa Mathison and Frank Marshall. Together with executive producers Michael Segal and John Madden and everyone at DreamWorks, we are thrilled to be able to bring Roald Dahl’s beloved story to the big screen.’
About DreamWorks Studios
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company’s recent releases include Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. The film has grossed over $180 million at the U.S. box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards® with Daniel Day-Lewis winning for Best Actor. Other releases include “Real Steel,” starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Shawn Levy, Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse,” based on Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book and was nominated for six Academy Awards® including Best Picture, and “The Help,” which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award®nominations with Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress. Upcoming films include the drama “The Hundred-Foot Journey”, starring Helen Mirren and directed by Lasse Hallstrom.
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