Calling it a “first-of-its-kind” event, the effort will not only adapt Dahl’s myriad tales, but also build out “an imaginative story universe that expands far beyond the pages of the books themselves” in, as Netflix’s Melissa Cobb puts it, “fresh, contemporary ways.” So, basically, if you’ve ever wanted to see Matilda eat a snozzberry, now’s your chance.
“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,” Roald Dahl’s widow, Felicity Dahl, says in a press release. “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.”
Other titles now under Netflix’s umbrella include George’s Marvellous Medicine, Boy – Tales of Childhood, Going Solo, The Enormous Crocodile, and many, many more.
Dahl’s everywhere these days. Earlier this summer, Robert Zemeckis revealed he’d be directing a new adaptation of The Witches, and it appears that producer David Heyman’s Willy Wonka origin story is still moving forward. Meanwhile, production on Netflix’s first series is slated to kick off in 2019, which still gives them plenty of time to cast Mara Wilson as Miss Honey.
