The big screen is about to get a splash of purple when Harold and the Purple Crayon makes its live-action debut on August 2. Sony Pictures brings this family-friendly adventure-comedy to life, directed by Carlos Saldanha and based on Crockett Johnson’s beloved 1955 picture book. The screenplay was penned by David Guion and Michael Handelman, with production by John Davis and executive producers Jeremy Stein and Jenny Hinkey.
This film marks the first full-length adaptation of Johnson’s classic children’s story, which launched an entire franchise. Since the original, eight additional titles have expanded Harold’s world, including Harold’s Fairy Tale (1956), Harold at the North Pole (1958), and Harold’s ABC (1963). Over the years, the story has inspired not only picture books and a treasury edition but also an activity book and even an adult-focused title, Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life by Ross Ellenhorn.
Harold’s adventures were first adapted for animation in 1959 in a short produced by Weston Woods Studios. The early ‘70s saw two more animated shorts, which later aired on Captain Kangaroo. In 2001, HBO produced a 13-episode animated series based on the book, which earned a Daytime Emmy Award.
In the new film, Zachary Levi (Shazam!) plays an adult version of Harold, who can bring his crayon-drawn creations to life. But when Harold steps out of his illustrated world and into reality, he and his friends must protect the power of imagination and creativity from being lost. The ensemble cast also features Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), Benjamin Bottani (Leo), Jemaine Clement (Rio), Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), and Zooey Deschanel (New Girl).
Director Carlos Saldanha, best known for animated hits like Ice Age, Rio, and Ferdinand, was drawn to the project for personal reasons. “I didn’t grow up with Harold and the Purple Crayon in Brazil, but I later discovered its magic through my four children,” he told PW. “The opportunity to bring Harold to the big screen felt like a personal full-circle moment—especially since, like Harold, I’m also transitioning from animation to live action.”
This project also marks a shift in Saldanha’s usual storytelling, moving away from animal-focused narratives to a human-centric tale. He praised Levi’s performance, highlighting the actor’s ability to channel childlike wonder, and commended the screenwriters for maintaining Harold’s core traits. “Our goal was to show how Harold’s imaginative drawings could come to life in our world while preserving his curiosity and creative spirit.”
To celebrate the film, HarperCollins Children’s Books is launching promotional efforts, including activity sheets, themed social media content, and special purple-only crayon sets. The publisher also plans to re-release its Remember Reading podcast episode about Harold and the Purple Crayon, featuring insights from celebrated author-illustrators Chris Van Allsburg and Brian Pinkney.
“We’re excited to shine a light on one of our most treasured titles,” said Lisa DiSarro, senior marketing director at HarperCollins Children’s Books. With the book’s 70th anniversary approaching in 2025, the film is poised to kick off a fresh wave of celebration for Harold’s enduring legacy.
