'The BFG' trivia and fun facts

John Madden was originally set to direct, but decided to focus on 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' (2015) instead. He remains involved in the production as an Executive Producer.

'The BFG' (2016) marks the reunion of director Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Melissa Mathison, following their universally celebrated collaboration on 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' (1982).

This is the second adaptation of a Roald Dahl novel to be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures; the first was 'James and the Giant Peach' (1996).

Adam Godley starred in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (2005), which was also based on a Roald Dahl novel.

'The BFG' (2016) marks the first Steven Spielberg-directed film project to feature a female protagonist since 'The Color Purple' (1985), as well a child protagonist since 'Artificial Intelligence: AI' (2001).

John Williams will be back to do the music score for 'The BFG' (2016). Spielberg and Williams had not worked together on Spielberg's previous movie 'Bridge of Spies' (2015). Only three times in 42 years have they not worked together.

This was the final film written by Melissa Mathison before her death in 2015. The film is dedicated to her as a tribute.

The film has been in development for nearly 25 years.

Steven Spielberg tried to convince Gene Wilder to make an appearance in the film, but Wilder declined. Wilder had appeared as the title character of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' (1971).

Originally the film was to be produced by Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy in 1991 by Paramount Pictures, with husband and wife screenwriters Robin Swicord and Nicholas Kazan on board and Robin Williams in mind for the title role.