The BFG Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Last modified: Dec. 14, 2016

The BFG

Release Date: Friday, July 1, 2016 Theaters

Tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.

Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Ruby Barnhill • Mark Rylance • Rebecca Hall • Jemaine Clement • Bill Hader

PG Adventure 1 hr, 57 m

3.57 / 5.0

63% WILL SEE 37% WON'T SEE

Rent or buy

Plot – What's the story about?

Plot: 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 in Giant 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. Says Spielberg, “It’s a story about friendship, it’s a story about loyalty and protecting your friends and it’s a story that shows that even a little girl can help a big giant solve his biggest problems.” Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see Queen Victoria (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.

Adventure Family Fantasy 3D Adaptation Kids

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Who stars in The BFG – Cast List

R
Ruby Barnhill
... Sophie

Mary and the Witch's Flower
Mark Rylance
... Big Friendly Giant

Ready Player One, Dunkirk
Rebecca Hall
... Mary

Ella McCay, Peter Hujar's Day
Jemaine Clement
Avatar: Fire and Ash, Moana
Bill Hader
... Giant

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, The Cat in the Hat
P
Penelope Wilton
... The Queen

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Pride & Prejudice
A
Adam Godley
The X-Files: I Want to Believe, Nightmare Cinema

Who is making The BFG – Crew List

A look at The BFG behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Steven Spielberg last helmed The Fabelmans and Jaws.

Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenwriter: Melissa Mathison
Producers: Kathleen Kennedy
Frank Marshall

Studios: Amblin Entertainment; Walt Disney Studios
Production Company: DreamWorks Studios
The Kennedy/Marshall Company
Walden Media

Production – What we know about the The BFG

Key Facts

"In more than 40 years of making movies, I have been on the producing end of a number of films for The Walt Disney Company, but never as a director," said Steven Spielberg. "It is a special joy to be in the director's chair as we start 'The BFG,' alongside my long-time friends and film collaborators Kathy Kennedy, who introduced me to this project, Frank Marshall and Melissa Mathison. Together with them and Disney, there are many reasons why I am so excited about this joint venture."
This marks Steven Spielberg’s first time directing a Disney-branded movie.
The Walt Disney Company is distributing the film in the U.S. and select international territories while Mister Smith Entertainment is handling distribution in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. DreamWorks' partner, Reliance, will distribute the film in India.
BFG's budget is said to be in the $100 million to $125 million range.
Adapted from Roald Dahl's 1982 novel, which was illustrated by Quentin Blake.

Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Jun 2016

Completed

Changed The BFG movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

Nov 2015

Post-Production

Changed the movie production status to Post-Production. Principal photography on the film began on March 23, 2015 in Vancouver and ended on June 12, 2015. Weta Digital is working on the film's visual effects.

Jan 2015

Production

Changed the movie production status to Production. Production underway in Vancouver.

May 2014

Pre-Production

Changed the movie production status to Pre-Production. Preparations are underway to start production.

Sep 2011

Announced

Changed the movie production status to Announced. Preparations are underway to start production.

Sep 2011

Development

Changed the movie production status to Development. DreamWorks acquired the rights to the book in 2010 after Kathleen Kennedy brought it to the company.

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Additional Information

Parent Rating: PG Parental Guidance Suggested for action/peril, some scary moments and brief rude humor
Runtime: 1 hr, 57 m
Tagline: Not available
Also known as: Big Valley
Language: English

The BFG Trailers and Clips

Theatrical Trailer

Theatrical Teaser

TV Spot #1

TV Spot #2

Mark Rylance Featurette

The BFG Release Date: When was the film released?

The BFG was released in nationwide movie theaters on Friday, July 1 , 2016. There were six other movies released on the same date, including The Legend of Tarzan, The Purge: Election Year and Marauders. Additional information: 2D/3D.