The Great Gilly Hopkins (film)

The Great Gilly Hopkins is a 2015 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Herek and written by David L. Paterson. It is based on Katherine Paterson's 1978 children's book of the same name. 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.

Plot
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 Trotter, who wants to be the mother Gilly needs. With Gilly posing a challenge, Trotter must prove a good relationship 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 Harris
 * Glenn Close as Nonnie Hopkins
 * Bill Cobbs as Mr. Randolph
 * Billy Magnussen as	Ellis
 * Clare Foley as Agnes
 * Zachary Hernandez as W.E. (William Ernest)
 * 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.