Meryl Streep, Ryan Reynolds and more join 'James and the Giant Peach' live reading for COVID-19
Taika Waititi is calling on some very famous friends for a live reading of the beloved Roald Dahl children's book, "James and the Giant Peach" -- all for COVID-19 relief.
The 10-episode "James and the Giant Peach with Taika and Friends" series will feature characters voiced by Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cara Delevingne, Chris and Liam Hemsworth, Mindy Kaling, Nick Kroll, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Ryan Reynolds and Meryl Streep.
The stars are participating from their homes via video.
The event, which will run on Dahl's official YouTube page, will raise money for Partners in Health, a medical and social justice organization fighting COVID-19 and providing health care to the most vulnerable people around the world.
"Being an adult child myself and having read 'James and the Giant Peach' to my girls multiple times, I'm excited to be able to partner with my friends, the Dahl team and Partners in Health and retell this story to help those most in need right now," said Waititi in a statement. "This wacky, wonderful tale is about resilience in children, triumph over adversity and dealing with a sense of isolation, which couldn't been more relevant today."
Viewers will be encouraged to give. The Roald Dahl Story Company has committed to matching the first $1 million donated. Ophelia Dahl, the daughter of the late author, is a co-founder of Partners in Health and a board chair.
New episodes will be released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. ET. The first chapter, complete with outtakes, is now on YouTube.
