Plenty of Roald Dahl’s stories have been made into films before – recent examples being Steven Spielberg’s BFG and the Anne Hathaway-starring The Witches – but it looks like we’re in for a whole new batch of adaptations courtesy of Netflix. The streaming service has just signed a deal for rights to the beloved children’s books from the author’s family, opening the door for a raft of future Dahl properties to head into development.
The acquisition builds on an existing agreement that will soon bring us Taika Waititi’s upcoming Charlie And The Chocolate Factory series, an original take on the Oompa-Loompas, and a feature film adaptation of Matilda: The Musical, which will be directed by Matthew Warchus and starring Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch and Alisha Weir, set for release in 2022. Other properties like The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox, and James And The Giant Peach could potentially be following down the line as part of the deal, with Netflix working alongside the Roald Dahl Story Company – currently run by Dahl’s grandson Luke Kelly - to launch a “unique universe” of Roald Dahl stories.
Paul King’s Willy Wonka prequel, however, won’t be part of the deal - currently in development at Warner Bros, Timothée Chalamet is set to play a young version of the chocolatier.
Netflix boss Ted Sarandos released a joint statement with Kelly, saying they are “joining forces to bring some of the world’s most loved stories to current and future fans in creative new ways”.
“As we bring these timeless tales to more audiences in new formats, we’re committed to maintaining their unique spirit and their universal themes of surprise and kindness, while also sprinkling some fresh magic into the mix”.