This summer, travel to the magical realm of Giant Country in directorSteven Spielberg’s fantasy adventureThe BFG. Today, we have a special sneak peek at the movie, which will be in theaters just in time for the July 1 holiday. Go on set with the filmmaker as he explains why starMark Rylancewas chosen as the title character, and how he was brought to life as aBig Friendly Giant.
Portrayed through motion capture by recent Oscar winnerMark Rylance(Bridge of Spies), the BFG is joined by breakout starRuby Barnhill, who makes her feature film debut after starring in six episodes of the TV series4 O’Clock Club. This actress could very well be the latest star discovery from directorSteven Spielberg, who helped launch the careers of stars likeDrew BarrymoreinE.T.andVin DieselinSaving Private Ryan, who went on to star in the cult classicPitch Blackjust two years after his small role in the director’s World War II classic.
The talents of three of theworld’s greatest storytellers, Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg, finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classicThe BFGto life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’sThe BFGtells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country.
Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival inGiant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions.
The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome.
Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.Roald Dahl’sThe BFGwas first published in 1982 and has been enchanting readers of all ages ever since.Roald Dahl’s books, which also includeCharlie and the Chocolate Factory,James and the Giant PeachandMatilda, are currently available in 58 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide.The BFGis the only book ofRoald Dahl’s that has never been adapted into a feature film, until now. Take a look at the new featurette forThe BFGcourtesy ofYoutube, and stay tuned for more on thisSteven Spielbergadaptation as we get closer and closer to its summer release date.
