HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON Arriving in Theaters This Summer
By Movieguide® Contributor
HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, a new version of the children’s classic, is expected to open in theaters this summer.
The story-turned-film will star Zachary Levi and Zooey Deschanel.
Crockett Johnson’s 1955 picture book follows a young boy named Harold who creates things with his imagination and the help of his purple crayon.
The movie, however, sees Harold as an adult.
“Inside of his book, adventurous Harold (Zachary Levi) can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. After he grows up and draws himself off the book’s pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life-and that his trusty purple crayon may set off more hilarious hijinks than he thought possible. When the power of unlimited imagination falls into the wrong hands, it will take all of Harold and his friends’ creativity to save both the real world and his own,” a synopsis reads.
The trailer shows “Harold (Levi) accidentally wreak[ing] havoc when he finds himself stepping out of the page into the human realm. With the ability to create anything with his purple crayon, Harold opens a world of possibilities, from creating terrifying flying tarantulas to producing an airplane on the fly.”
Levi, best known for his role in SHAZAM, discussed the upcoming film with PEOPLE.
“What was most fun was getting to fully commit to playing a character with that level of optimism and imagination oozing from his pores,” he said. “Harold is nothing but light. And I love that.”
Deschanel also spoke about her role.
“I loved working with everyone so much. It was such a blast…It’s one of my favorite children’s books. I’ve read it to my kids so many times, I was very charmed by this adaptation and the way they brought the characters to life,” she said.
Lil Rel Howery, Ravi Patel, Camille Guaty, Tanya Reynolds and Pete Gardner also star in the film.
The Sony Pictures movie is directed by Carlos Saldanha and produced by John Davis. It will be released in theaters Aug. 2, 2024.
Movieguide® recently reported that another beloved children’s book, “The Cat in the Hat” is getting a movie adaptation:
Dr. Seuss’ classic “The Cat in the Hat” is coming to the big screen.
The movie, which is scheduled to release on March 6, 2026, is produced under Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.
It will star Bill Hader as The Cat. “Joining him are Quinta Brunson (ABBOTT ELEMENTARY), Bowen Yang (SNL), Xochitl Gomez (DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS), Matt Berry (WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS) and Paula Pell (GIRLS5EVA),” per Deadline.
“The film is being written and directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja, with Daniela Mazzucato and Jared Stern producing. Susan Brandt, president-CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and Hader will executive produce. DNEG Animation will be the animation studio partner,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
