For those who love acclaimed and celebrated children’s fantasy author Roald Dahl, the latest word has it that a major motion picture based on the life and work of the British writer is headed to the big screen with Hugh Bonneville cast in the lead role. Perhaps most well known for such major motion picture adaptations of his works such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG, Dahl is a well known household name around the world whose novels have sold over well over 250 million copies internationally.
Given the long string of successes in bringing some of his greatest works to the big screen, it should come as no small suprise that a feature length motion picture about the man himself might begin production behind the scenes - in much the same vein as the dueling A.A. Milne biopics Christopher Robin and Goodbye Christopher Robin. As luck would have it, the latest word out of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival has an untitled Roald Dahl biopic in the works.
According to THR, Goldcrest Films is currently seeking to finance and distribute an original drama co-produced by Atticus Pictures based on the life of Roald Dahl as directed by John Hay and starring Downton Abbey lead Hugh Bonneville as the famous children’s author. Based in part on the novel An Unquiet Life by Stephen Michael Shearer - with a script co-written by director John Hay and David Logan - the new movie will follow the life of Dahl at the beginning of the 1960s during his marriage to Hollywood star Patricia Neal.
Slated to follow the trajectory of his personal experiences and professional breakthroughs - with cameo appearances from such well known Hollywood celebrities and icons like Paul Newman - the untitled Roald Dahl biopic is sure to draw some attention once it secures attention from potential buyers at Cannes. Speaking to enthusiasm for the new project, Goldcrest managing director Pascal Degove stated:
Whether or not general viewers will be interested in lining up to see another biopic in the same vein as Saving Mr. Banks and Finding Neverland remains to be seen, but with a talent like Hugh Bonneville in the lead role perhaps a Roald Dahl biopic will manage to pick up some steam at Cannes. On that note, here’s to hoping for the very best as the production continues to develop.
“This film tracks the personal triumphs and tragedies behind the marriage of two globally known superstars. John and David’s excellent script is an audience-pleasing portrayal of Roald and Patricia’s touching love story backgrounded by the cinematic sweep of the swinging sixties.”
Screen Rant will keep you updated with any information related to the untitled Roald Dahl biopic.
Source: THR
