Disney are set to bring the magic of Roald Dahl to the big screen, when a new movie based on his classic children’s novel, The BFG, is released. Steven Spielberg directs this wonderfully captivating story of an unlikely friendship between a young orphan girl named Sophie, and a big, friendly giant.

Sophie is played by newcomer Ruby Barnhill, and Mark Rylance (having previously worked with Spielberg on Bridge of Spies) lends his voice to the BFG himself. After taking Sophie from her orphanage, the BFG enlists her help, and that of the Queen of England (Penelope Wilton), to rid Giant Country, and indeed, the rest of the world, of the fearsome flesh eating giants who plague the earth. These giants include Fleshlumpeater (Jermaine Clement, Rio 2), and Bloodbottler (Bill Hader, Trainwreck), who many will remember from Dahl’s novel.

The first teaser trailer for the movie has already been released and now a new poster has arrived too, which seems to perfectly sum up the sense of awe and adventure that awaits Sophie. Take a look, below.

the-bfg

In keeping with the teaser, we are still not given a glimpse of the BFG’s face. It will be interesting to see whether he is fully unveiled in the next BFG theatrical trailer, or whether we are kept in the dark.

Spielberg, Disney, and the late screenwriter Melissa Mathison (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial) always faced a hard task in bringing such a beloved story to life. For many, The BFG was a true joy to read growing up, and still is. Not only that, but Quentin Blake’s illustrations still mark the way that many view these characters, so this movie really needs to capture fans from the get-go, so that their minds don’t wander back to their childhood interpretations.

That said, both Spielberg and Disney are sympathetic to the late Dahl’s ethos, which was that children love to be scared. As many will recall, The BFG can be dark and gripping at times, and also extremely funny. As with many of Dahl's stories, kids will be scared witless and then end up laughing before hiding behind their hands all over again. If anyone can capture the magic that Dahl put into his stories, surely Spielberg will be the one to do it.

The BFG opens in U.S. theaters on July 1st, 2016.

Source: Walt Disney Pictures