Ruby Barnhill is Sophie in THE BFG. Courtesy of Disney Pictures.
Courtney Howard // Film Critic
By the looks of the newest trailer, Disney’s THE BFG looks like it’s gonna be a pretty Big F**king Deal for quite a few reasons:
- “The Big Friendly Giant” appears to be a return to fine form for director Steven Spielberg
- Patented Disney magic will occur
- Roald Dahl’s legacy will be honored
- LOOK AT ALL THE CHILDLIKE SENSE OF WONDER!
But don’t just take my word for it. Watch the trailer below to see for yourselves.
Spielberg-philes already have noted this is the first time he’s directed a film for the Walt Disney Company (WAR HORSE and LINCOLN were only distributed by the studio). On his Facebook intro to the trailer, the auteur mentioned this is a perfect project for Disney as it’s got the right blend of darkness and light to make magic. On Dahl’s story, he said,
“His stories have enchanted, frightened but always arrested us from our fears in the end. I think it’s the perfect companion to a lot of the films Disney has made. And a perfect companion to a lot of the pictures I’ve made.”
In the special intro, Spielberg takes you into the Amblin screening room – one I’ve actually been to twice in my own career. I can attest it’s comfy, gorgeous and – over his right shoulder and behind thick velvet curtains – contains a theater candy stand with full size candy bars and popcorn.
The film stars Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall, Rafe Spall and Bill Hader.
THE BFG opens on July 1, 2016.
Header photo credit:Ruby Barnhill is Sophie in Disney’s imaginative adventure, THE BFG. Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.
