The upcoming adventure comedy Harold and the Purple Crayon, an adaptation of Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s book, will take audiences on a whimsical journey when it hits theatres on August 23 this year. The film follows the story of Harold, a young boy who embarks on an extraordinary adventure with his friends to save both the real and imaginary worlds, armed with only his trusty purple crayon.
The cast of the film, including Zachary Levi, Benjamin Bottani, and Tanya Reynolds, along with Director Carlos Saldanha, recently shared what they would draw if they had a magic purple crayon of their own, letting their imaginations run wild just like their characters in the movie.
Benjamin Bottani, who plays one of Harold’s adventurous friends, said, “I’d draw my own imaginary friend, and it would be a koaowl. It would be a huge mix of a koala and an owl. And then he’d take me everywhere!” His idea of a hybrid creature reflects the limitless possibilities of imagination that the film seeks to inspire.
Tanya Reynolds, embracing the idea of abundance, shared, “A million dogs for myself. Wait, that’s a bit excessive. Maybe seven dogs. And some pigs. And a lot of land to keep them on, and a big house.” Reynolds’ vision of creating a peaceful, animal-filled haven shows how a simple crayon can bring one’s dream life to the forefront.
Zachary Levi, who stars as Harold, kept it simple yet playful, reflecting on one of the scenes from the movie. “The airplane scene was a lot of fun. Maybe I’d draw a plane,” he said, highlighting the joy of simple pleasures that can be brought to life with a stroke of creativity.
Director Carlos Saldanha, the visionary behind the film, expressed his thoughts on the power of imagination. “Pick up a crayon, and the possibilities are endless. With everything happening in our daily lives, we forget the power of the imagination, the power of believing, dreaming, and ‘drawing’ our way into a better place. This film invites audiences to rediscover that magic,” Saldanha said.
Harold and the Purple Crayon also stars Lil Rel Howery, Jemaine Clement, Alfred Molina, and Zooey Deschanel in pivotal roles. Written by David Guion and Michael Handelman, the film promises to be a delightful blend of adventure, comedy, and the timeless message that imagination can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
As the release date approaches, fans of the original book and newcomers alike can look forward to a cinematic experience that celebrates creativity and the boundless wonders of the imagination.