Hollywood ‘giant’ to direct movie version of childhood favourite book

Hollywood’s biggest director, Steven Spielberg, will direct an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel The BFG.

The story follows a little girl who leads a big, friendly giant on a journey to stop the fiercer man-eating giants from gobbling children.

DreamWorks acquired rights in 2010, and Melissa Mathison, who last teamed with Spielberg on ET , will pen the script.

Frank Marshall will produce, with Michael Siegel and John Madden on board as executive producers.

Madden was originally set to direct The BFG but is instead focusing on the sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Spielberg will begin production in first quarter of 2015, with a planned 2016 release.

“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 the director.