The teaser trailer for Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "The BFG" has been released and it already looks like it's going to take viewers on a heart-pounding ride with the mention of boogeyman, witching hour and Sophie's advice before she was taken from her bed. Before you think it's a horror flick, though, we'll give you all you need to know so you won't snub the live-action adaptation when it gets released in 2016.
1. "The BFG" Is A Roald Dahl Children's Book
"The BFG" or "The Big Friendly Giant" is one of British best-selling novelist Roald Dahl's books and it follows Sophie's adventures, which begin when she meets BFG early one morning during "the witching hour." Dahl's works remain to be some of the most relevant works of fiction for children with their unexpected endings, warm-hearted characters and a certain sense of darkness.
Do you remember Roald Dahl now? Yes, that Roald Dahl who gave us "Matilda" and "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory." He's a children's book writer but that doesn't mean his works are just for kids because there's always that underlying theme that also speaks to adults, which means that the adaptation will be enjoyed by all. Disney and Spielberg's "The BFG" is actually the second adaptation with the first being an animated version released in 1989.
Check out the trailer for the animated version below.
2. It's Steven Spielberg And Melissa Mathison's Last Team Up
Spielberg, one of the most influential people in Hollywood and known producers of blockbuster movies, partnered up with screen writer Melissa Mathison, who sadly passed away last month. The brilliant partnership between the two have famously gifted the world the masterpiece that was 1982's "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," which is enough to get everyone excited for the kind of journey that "The BFG" will take us on.
"It did not feel like an adult was writing words but that they were coming improvisationally from the mouths of young people. That was her magic and that was her gift with E.T., and she's done the same thing with BFG," Spielberg says of Mathison's work.
"The BFG" will truly be something to look forward to since the mind and heart that gave E.T. life poured all their love into it.
3. The Cast Is Impressive
Mark Rylance, actor, director and playwright lent his voice to "The BFG," while Bill Hader, a Saturday Night Live alum and experienced voice-actor, will be Bloodbottler, another giant who isn't quite as friendly as BFG. Jemaine Clement and Penelope Wilton also lend their talents to this film, and this will be 11-year-old Ruby Barnhill's first film. Barnhill, who has been acting even before "The BFG," will be playing Sophie.
4. "The BFG" Will Take Us To Diffrent Places
Filming for "The BFG" took the production team to Vancouver, Canada, in London and Buckingham Palace, at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire and on Scotland's Isle of Skye. Pretty exciting, right?
5. The Trailer Is Pretty Terrifying
Yes, "The BFG" is a children's book, but as with true Roald Dahl fashion, the story evokes a certain darkness and macabre aspect, and this truly shows in the trailer that has attracted over 3 million views since its release.
Watch it below.
From the trailer alone, it is clear that Disney and Spielberg definitely embraced the darker side of the Dahl classic, so exercise caution before you show the trailer to your little ones. From the little orphan girl's mention of the witching hour when the boogeyman comes out and people go missing, to the beautifully crafted music that sends chills down your spine and the glimpses of the giant in the shadows, "The BFG" will surely take us on a wonderful journey when it is finally released on July 1, 2016.
Remember what Sophie said: "Never get out of bed. Never go to the window. Never look behind the curtain."
