The Library of Congress on Tuesday hosts a conversation with Zachary Levi (Chuck, Shazam!) and Zooey Deschanel (New Girl, Elf), who star in the upcoming film Harold and the Purple Crayon, which will be released in theaters on Friday, August 2.
The movie is the first adaptation of the children’s book of the same name by Crockett Johnson. The picture book, originally published in 1955, tells the tale of Harold, who chooses to go for a nighttime adventure with only an oversized purple crayon. With the crayon, Harold creates a wonderland full of dragons, high seas, thick woods, and more.
Deschanel and Levi will talk and you’ll get a sneak peek at the movie from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at the Library of Congress. You need tickets to attend. After the talk, attendees can see original drawings and books from the series.
The stars answered some questions by email ahead of their talk.
Tell us more about Harold and the Purple Crayon and your roles.
Zachary Levi: At the very beginning of the movie, Harold is the beloved young toddler in his footie pajamas, just like the book. In the movie, he grows up and he becomes an adult version of himself in his footie pajamas. His narrator goes missing, and he is concerned because he knows the narrator lives in the real world. Harold decides he’s going to draw a door to the real world and go on an adventure trying to find and help the narrator.
Zooey Deschanel: I was very charmed by this adaptation and the way it brings the characters to life. My character, Terry is a hardworking single mom trying to make ends meet while raising her son, Mel. Initially, she’s a bit skeptical about the whole purple crayon thing, but she sees how it’s helping Mel come out of his shell and explore his creativity, which makes her happy. Through their adventures with Harold, Terry is reminded of the power of imagination and inspired to rediscover her own creativity.
What can guests expect at your appearance at the Library of Congress?
Zooey Deschanel: People can expect a fun and engaging chat about this wonderful story and the importance of creativity for kids — and for everyone! I hope that everyone leaves feeling more inspired to embrace their own creativity and to have a little more fun with life.
Do you have any fond memories when you were young coloring with crayons or creating imaginary characters/experiences? How did you pass on that love of imagination and creativity to your children or nieces or nephews?
Zachary Levi: I don’t have a lot of memories from coloring when I was younger, other than I think when I was being tested to go into kindergarten, they judged me on my coloring skills. They held me back in Pre-K, so there’s that!
Zooey Deschanel: I always loved artistic and imaginative activities growing up, and we to do a lot of those same kinds of things in our house today. I consider myself a creative person, but my kids constantly remind me to be more imaginative. They are so creative and teach me every day to live a more creative, fun life.
Feature image of Zooey Deschanel by Eric Charbonneau
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
