The Great Gilly Hopkins is a 2015 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Herek and adapted by David L. Paterson from Katherine Paterson's 1978 children's book. The film stars Sophie Nélisse, Kathy Bates, Julia Stiles, Bill Cobbs, Billy Magnussen, Octavia Spencer, and Glenn Close. The film was released on October 7, 2016, by Lionsgate Premiere.
Contents
Plot
Galadriel "Gilly" Hopkins is the meanest girl in town: she has a birth mother she has never seen and has moved from one foster home to another. Learning that she will be sent to a new home, she wastes no time stirring up trouble. Then she meets a woman named Maime Trotter, who wants to be the mother Gilly needs. With Gilly posing a challenge, Trotter must prove a good relationship that will benefit both of them.
Cast
Sophie Nélisse as Galadriel ”Gilly” Hopkins
Kathy Bates as Maime Trotter
Julia Stiles as Courtney Rutherford Hopkins
Octavia Spencer as Miss Barbara Harris
Glenn Close as Nonnie Hopkins
Bill Cobbs as Mr. Randolph
Billy Magnussen as Mr. Ellis
Clare Foley as Agnes Stokes
Zachary Hernandez as William Ernest "W.E." Teague
Sammy Pignalosa as Rajeem
Toby Turner as Ticket Agent
Frank Oz as Cookie Monster (voice)
Production
On February 8, 2013, it was announced that Stephen Herek would direct an adaption of The Great Gilly Hopkins, with Kathy Bates and Danny Glover set to star in the film. On February 6, 2014, Sophie Nélisse, Glenn Close and Octavia Spencer joined the cast of the film. On May 9, 2014, Julia Stiles and Bill Cobbs joined the cast of the film. Cobbs replaced Glover, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Principal photography began on April 9, 2014, and ended on June 15, 2014.
Release
The film premiered on October 6, 2015, at the SCHLINGEL International Film Festival. Lionsgate Premiere acquired distribution rights, and set the film for an October 7, 2016, release.