The 68 year old, who picked a Best Actress prize at Sunday's (12Apr15) Olivier Awards in London, will join Mark Rylance, newcomer Ruby Barnhill, Rebecca Hall, Jemaine Clement and Bill Hader, among others, in the Disney film, which has already started shooting in Vancouver, Canada.

Roald Dahl's beloved story chronicles the adventures of a young girl and her mysterious giant friend.

The film is scheduled to hit cinemas in July, 2016, to mark what would have been the author's 100th birthday.