Beloved children's book series "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" is getting the big screen treatment, and the film has just added two key cast members.

The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop that young actress Darby Camp (who plays Reese Witherspoon’s daughter on hit HBO series "Big Little Lies") and British comedian Jack Whitehall ("The Nutcracker and the Four Realms," Disney's upcoming "Jungle Cruise") have joined the canine-centric flick as its two human leads. Camp will play Emily Elizabeth, a young girl who adopts the titular pooch; Whitehall will play Emily's uncle.

Here's the film's synopsis, according to THR:

The movie will see Emily (Camp) struggling to fit in at home and at school, discover a small red puppy who is destined to become her best friend. When Clifford magically undergoes one heck of a growth spurt, becomes a gigantic dog and attracts the attention of a genetics company, Emily and her Uncle Casey (Whitehall) have to fight the forces of greed as they go on the run across New York City. Along the way, Clifford affects the lives of everyone around him and teaches Emily and her uncle the true meaning of acceptance and unconditional love.

"Clifford" was scripted by writing teams Jay Scherick and David Ronn, and Annie Mumolo ("Bridesmaids") and Stan Chervin. It's based on the Scholastic book series by Norman Bridwell, and was previously made into a PBS TV series, featuring the voice of the late John Ritter as Clifford.

Walt Becker is directing the adaptation. Production is expected to begin this summer in New York.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]