A child actress rose to stardom after starring in Steven Spielberg's upcoming "The BFG," or big friendly giant.
Her name is Ruby Barnhill, the 11-year-old who plays Sophie in the upcoming film. Spielberg casted the then seven-year-old Drew Barrymore in E.T. and catapulted her career.
Barnhill hits the jackpot as she was right for the part, Spielberg told People during an interview with the magazine at the Cannes Film Festival with other "BFG" stars Barnhill and Mark Rylance, 59.
"The real good reason why I'll cast somebody 'in a' movie is something that - there's no language to describe the reason, it's a feeling never a reason," Spielberg said.
The 69-year-old director revealed he had a feeling that Barnhill will connect with her role when she first auditioned. "It's just a feeling that this person that will connect with the role in a way that even I can't predict," he shared.
The iconic director described the girl as spontaneous and authentic and wished to translate that authenticity into her character, Sophie. He admitted he was not looking for a performance but the truth about who really Sophie is.
Spielberg just wanted to have Barnhill as close as Sophie in a humanly way, and the child actress made it happen. He felt the girl was right for the role because she was able to develop Sophie's character with her questions and ideas. She got ideas about the character that went into her performance.
"BFG" is a story of the whimsical friendship between two unlikely creatures. It is based on the 1982 children's book of famous writer Roald Dahl. The big friendly giant (Rylance) befriends an orphan girl Sophie, and together they set out to take on human-eating giants who plan to take over the world.
Dahl's classic children's book suits Spielberg, who can create a visual childlike wonder with basically kindred spirits. Meteor shower watching with his father inspired Spielberg in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Extra-Terrestrial was inspired by an imaginary friend when he was coping with his parent's separation, according to The Telegraph.
Barnhill was asked about how was it to work with an Oscar-winning actor and director. She replied they were two gentle, kind and supportive people. Rylance was not only helpful and nice in the story but in real life as well.
Meanwhile, Rylance found the film a learning experience for everyone involved. The cast and crew made mistakes, as well as discoveries. "The BFG" will be in theaters on July 1.
The following video is the official trailer of Disney's "The BFG."