Steven Spielberg to direct Roald Dahl classic ‘The BFG’

STEVEN Spielberg is set to direct a new big-screen version of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book The BFG.

Fantastical tale ... Steven Spielberg is set to direct an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s book “The BFG” next year. Picture: AP

STEVEN Spielberg is set to direct a new big-screen version of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, “The BFG”.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed the filmmaker is joining forces with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial screenwriterMelissa Mathison for the first time in more than 30 years, to bring to life Dahl’s story of children-gobbling giants and a girl who tries to stop them.

The BFG in the novel’s title refers to a “Big, Friendly Giant” who helps the little girl stop his monstrous counterparts.

Childhood nostalgia ahoy! Steven Spielberg to direct a new version of The BFG http://t.co/T861SSSVsZ #BFG pic.twitter.com/Vr6GK0gia2

— Total Film (@totalfilm) April 26, 2014

Dahl, author of James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, published the book in 1982. It was turned into an animated film in 1989, and has also been performed as a stage play.

The Saving Private Ryan director is planning a 2015 start date for “The BFG”, with a 2016 release.

It will be the first movie directed by the Oscar winner since 2012’s Lincoln.