Several projects are already in the works.
Fans of Roald Dahl will be delighted to learn that Netflix will adapt Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and more in a
massive deal.
The deal will give the streaming platform full access to the complete works of the children's author, with animated and live-action adaptions on the way.
The Roald Dahl Story Co. and Netflix initially struck a licencing agreement in 2018 which enabled them to create animated series based on Dahl's stories. This new deal is an expansion of that agreement, which, at the time, was estimated to be worth between $500 million and $1 billion, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The first two projects in the works are adaptions of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Dahl's grandson Luke Kelly welcomed the deal in a joint statement.
They said: "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."
Taika Watiti, the award-winning director of Boy (2010) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) will be at the helm for the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory series, while Netflix are already working on the adaption of
Matilda the Musical. It's expected to be released in the UK and Ireland next December.
The film will be adapted from the hugely successful West End musical, with music and lyrics by Aussie writer and comedian Tim Minchin. The multi-award winning show has been running in the Cambridge Theatre since 2011, and enjoyed a lengthy run on Broadway as well.
Roald Dahl is one of the most popular and beloved children's authors of all time. His other works include The Witches, Fanastaic Mr Fox, The BFG and The Twits.
