BBC One Film to Star Dame Judi Dench, Dustin Hoffman

LONDON: Dame Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman have been lined up to lead the cast of Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot, a 90-minute movie for Endor Productions and BBC One that is slated to begin filming next year in London.

Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot revolves around Mr Hoppy, a retired bachelor who has a crush on his neighbor, Mrs Silver. The production, based on a children’s book, is being adapted by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. It will be distributed by Red Arrow International.

Charlotte Moore, controller for BBC One, remarked: "It’s an honor to have Dame Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman starring in this wonderful new adaptation. It’s absolutely stellar casting for one of the nation’s favorite children’s classics."

Ben Stephenson, controller for BBC drama commissioning, said: "An amazing cast and production team have come together to dramatize Roald Dahl’s wonderful, evergreen story. This film is a class act with a roll call of talent that only the BBC could assemble."

Hilary Bevan Jones, producer, added: "To bring together two of the world’s favorite actors in Dame Judi and Dustin is a dream come true. Richard and Paul have captured the magic of Roald Dahl’s wonderful tale and and I am thrilled that Dearbhla [Walsh] is to direct it."