Netflix has teamed with The Roald Dahl Story Company to extend the iconic author-illustrator’s storyverse with an exclusive slate of new, original animated series. The event programs will be based on Roald Dahl’s beloved best-selling titles, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, The Twits and many more.
While Dahl’s works have often been adapted into acclaimed feature films and stage productions, Netflix is assembling team of top creative, visual and writing talent for this first-of-its kind approach. The series and specials will be created for audiences of all ages, and remain faithful to the spirit and tone of Dahl’s works while building an imaginative universe that goes beyond the pages of the books.
“Our mission, which is purposefully lofty, is for as many children as possible around the world to experience the unique magic and positive message of Roald Dahl’s stories,” said Roald Dahl’s widow, Felicity Dahl, “This partnership with Netflix marks a significant move toward making that possible and is an incredibly exciting new chapter for the Roald Dahl Story Company. Roald would, I know, be thrilled.”
“Immersing ourselves in the extraordinary worlds of Roald Dahl stories has been an honor and a massive amount of fun, and we are grateful for the trust the Roald Dahl Story Company and the Dahl family have placed in our team to deliver more moments of shared joy to families around the world,” commented Melissa Cobb, Vice President of Kids & Family Content at Netflix. “We have great creative ambition to reimagine the journeys of so many treasured Dahl characters in fresh, contemporary ways with the highest quality animation and production values.”
“Netflix is known for innovative and high-quality storytelling,” added Gideon Simeloff, Strategy Director for The Roald Dahl Story Company. “There is no other place in the world that can deliver animated entertainment for the whole family at such quality and scale.”
The list of titles in the agreement between Netflix and the Roald Dahl Story Company includes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, The Twits, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, George’s Marvellous Medicine, Boy – Tales of Childhood, Going Solo, The Enormous Crocodile, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, Henry Sugar, Billy and the Minpins, The Magic Finger, Esio Trot, Dirty Beasts and Rhyme Stew.
Production is set to commence on the first of the Netflix Dahl animated series in 2019.
