Diary of a Wimpy Kid premiers this Friday on Disney+. Ahead of the release, author, and producer Jeff Kinney, along with the voice of Greg (Brady Noon), sat down with the press. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an animated adaptation of Jeff Kinney’s best-selling book series. As well as producing it, Kinney wrote the script. Serving as Director is Swinton Scott (Futurama). Apart from Brady Noon, starring in the film are Erica Cerra, Ethan William Childress, Chris Diamantopoulos, Hunter Dillon, and Christian Convery.
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid is about adapting to the changes of going into middle school. That means leaving behind childlike things and maturing to fit in. Although, for some, that may be harder than others. There are also the strong themes of friendship and doing what is right in the film, which leads us to the many shenanigans in the book, as well as this adaptation.
Speaking on the inspiration for the book series, Jeff Kinney, who originally wanted to be a newspaper cartoonist, says that although that dream never came true, it did help set the foundation for the book series. He mentions writing ideas in a journal when he wanted to become a newspaper cartoonist.
I started keeping one when I was in my mid-20s. And this is when I was really frustrated that, when I wanted to become a newspaper cartoonist. But I was playing lots and lots of videogames instead. So, i kept a journal to kind of shame myself into working on my comics. And what I did was I created this journal with text and then some cartoon illustrations all throughout. And I did it for years. Finally, I realized, oh my gosh, this is the answer. This is what I’ve been looking for. The, a new format. And so, my real life journal actually inspired DIary of A WImpy Kid.
In that journal, Kinney drew ideas for comics that developed into the book series we know today. I think we can all agree that we are glad this book series came to be. As to why Kinney believes his book series so successful:
I think everyone sees Greg as one of them, you know. Like, if I go to China, or Brazil, or Israel, New Zealand, it’s like they don’t think of Greg as this American kid who lives far away. They think he could be their friend or neighbor. And I think that’s really cool. If you think of Greg Heffley as he’s designed on the page, he’s really simple. He’s about as blank as a character can be. And I think that allows people to kind of project themselves onto Greg. Which is good. I think that the stories are really relatable. I think that you know people like this, and your family is probably like this in some ways. And, of course, hopefully the humor as well.
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I think Jeff makes a good point. If we have a character we can relate to, we feel like the story is about us. That makes you want to read it more. Especially, if like me, many use reading as an escapism. Who doesn’t want to escape into their own personal world?
Brady Noon has always loved the Diary of a Whimpy Kid Series
Since its first publication, Diary of a Whimpy Kid has been a best seller. Guest Brady Noon recalls in elementary going to the library and fighting for the next book with his peers because everyone wanted to read it. Brady notes that even if he had not gotten the part in this film he is excited to have another adaption out.
Brady Noon, who originated Greg in the Live-Action film, filled us in on how he did such an amazing job at doing the voice for Greg – by running, or jumping when the scene requires it! By doing this, Brady is able to give a more authentic feel to the character. It also helps that Noon feels he can,
I’d say that I can relate to Greg on a friendship level. I do feel like, me as a person, I try and be nice to everyone. But sometimes along the way, I do mess up. Just like Greg and just like everyone else. But, in the end, always trying to make things right and make amends with everyone. I feel it’s a very strong message and something i learned from Greg that I can carry throughout my life.
When you can relate to a character, you tend to like the book better. And I agree that we can all relate to Greg because we all remember wanting to fit in, in middle school; or at least survive it. This is what the Diary of a Whimpy Kid books are all about. We all have a little bit of Greg in us or even a little bit of Rowley, or possibly even Rodrick. Whichever character you relate to is what draws us in and keeps the kids coming back for more.
To catch the newest adaption of Diary of a Wimpy Kid head to Disney+ this Friday, December 3rd. And Stay Tuned to That Hashtag Show for more interviews!
