Get ready to relive a childhood classic with a fresh twist as “Harold and the Purple Crayon” returns to the big screen! This time, the beloved story leaps off the pages and into the real world, where the grown-up Harold, played by Zachary Levi, takes his imaginative adventures to new heights. But he’s not alone! Harold’s faithful friends, Moose and Porcupine, join him on this wild journey, transforming into human characters as they step into the real world.
Moose: The Cautious Adventurer
Comedic genius Lil Rel Howery (known for his roles in “Get Out” and “Free Guy”) takes on the role of Moose, Harold’s anxious but loyal companion. Moose’s transition into a human isn’t without its challenges. “Moose shares Harold’s sense of adventure, but he’s definitely more cautious,” Howery explains. “He’s not entirely comfortable outside his familiar surroundings and views the world with a more skeptical eye.”
Director Carlos Saldanha praised Howery’s performance, highlighting his ability to infuse Moose with heart and humor. “Rel has this incredible ability to balance comedy with warmth, making Moose’s journey both relatable and entertaining,” says Saldanha.
Porcupine: The Punky Rebel
On the flip side, Tanya Reynolds brings the character of Porcupine to life with a burst of energy and a cool, rebellious vibe. Known for her standout performance in “Sex Education,” Reynolds was thrilled to embody a character as quirky as Porcupine. “She’s got this punky energy and a great head of hair—very cool, much cooler than me!” Reynolds enthuses.
Executive producer Jeremy Stein couldn’t agree more with Reynolds’ self-assessment. “Tanya brings a spark to Porcupine that’s irresistible. She’s a perfect fit for this wild and imaginative adventure,” Stein notes.
To prepare for her role, Reynolds even went to the zoo to study real porcupines. “I wanted to pick up on little behaviors, like the way they climb or twitch their noses, to add an extra layer of authenticity to the character,” she shares.
A New Chapter in Harold’s Story
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” takes audiences on a whimsical journey where imagination knows no bounds. As Harold navigates the complexities of the real world with his trusty purple crayon, he discovers that creativity is the key to overcoming life’s challenges. With his friends Moose and Porcupine by his side, this adventure is set to be full of humor, heart, and a dash of magic.
The film, directed by Carlos Saldanha and produced by John Davis, features an all-star cast including Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, Benjamin Bottani, Jemaine Clement, Tanya Reynolds, Alfred Molina, and Zooey Deschanel. With a screenplay by David Guion & Michael Handelman, the movie is a faithful yet innovative adaptation of Crockett Johnson’s timeless children’s book.
Mark Your Calendars
Don’t miss out on this enchanting adventure! “Harold and the Purple Crayon” opens today in Philippine cinemas, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Get ready to be swept away by the magic, and join the conversation online with the hashtag #HaroldAndThePurpleCrayon.
Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”
