Steven Spielberg has begun filming his version of Roald Dahl’s classic The BFG with some interesting actors joining the cast.

Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall and Downton Abbey’s Penelope Wiltom have all joined the cast of the film which is now shooting in Vancouver.

They join acclaimed stage, and now screen, star Mark Rylance who is playing the titular Big Friendly Giant.

Hader and Clement are among the line-up of giants whilst Wilton will appear as The Queen with Hall as her maid, Mary.

“It is a special joy to be in the director’s chair as we start ‘The BFG,’ alongside my long-time friends and film collaborators Kathy Kennedy, who introduced me to this project, Frank Marshall and Melissa Mathison” said Spielberg.

“Together with them and Disney, there are many reasons why I am so excited about this joint venture.”

Inetrestingly, this is the first time in his 40 year career that the director has worked with Disney (does is open the door to a collaboration with the company on Indiana Jones?).

The BFG will be released in cinemas in July 2016.