A Roald Dahl universe of animated event series is coming to Netflix, and it will bring reimaginings of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, Matilda, and more to the streaming service. Dahl’s work continues to be a source of inspiration for filmmakers and entertainment for audiences long after it was first published by the famed author, and now it looks as though big-budget theatrical and stage adaptations won’t be the only way for fans to get their fix. The new lineup of event series may also provide a new generation of viewers their first exposure to the writer’s fantastical worlds.
Netflix’s announcement is another example of the company’s desire to stake a claim to the children's television market, especially in light of Disney's upcoming streaming service. But it also points to the entertainment industry’s appetite and preference for pre-existing IP. In this case, the Roald Dahl Story Company’s holdings, which have proven profitable and enticing to audiences for decades now. And, as Netflix promises to “reimagine” and “extend” the stories, it may well contemporize them in interesting and, no doubt, contentious ways.
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The news came today via an official release from Netflix, which also included a comment from Felicity Dahl, the author’s widow, which said, “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.” Netflix, meanwhile, had this to say about its plans for the upcoming slate of animated series:
“Roald Dahl stories have long inspired award-winning feature films and stage productions. But now, for the first time, Netflix will bring together the highest quality creative, visual, and writing teams to extend the stories in this first-of-its-kind slate of premium animated event series and specials for audiences of all ages and for families to enjoy together. Netflix intends to remain faithful to the quintessential spirit and tone of Dahl while also building out an imaginative story universe that expands far beyond the pages of the books themselves.”
This announcement sounds like a solid bet for both Netflix and the Roald Dahl Story Company. It will be more interesting for potential audiences as the company delivers details for its plans regarding titles such as “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.” These stories may come with a built-in audience, but reimagining them comes with certain risks of its own.
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Screen Rant will have more details on the Roald Dahl universe of animated series as they are made available.