Netflix Is Bringing Us An Entire Animated World Based On Roald Dahl's Stories

Netflix has been betting big on their original content and the latest gamble is adapting the complete works of Roald Dahl in animated form. Yes, folks, a deal has been struck with the author’s widow, Felicity Dahl for an animated cinematic universe which will likely thrill fans of Dahl’s work and give us countless new stories for children to enjoy. The plan is that “Netflix is extending the Roald Dahl universe of stories for global family audiences with an exclusive new slate of original animated event series, based on the books from the acclaimed and award-winning author’s best-selling library, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, The Twits, and many other beloved titles.”

We’ve already seen a rise in domestic animation as well as imported anime making their way onto the streaming giant, but this deal could be their biggest win to date. According to Melissa Cobb, Netflix’s VP of Kids & Family Content, the idea is that they “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.”

While some changes are to be expected, they do have the blessing of Dahl’s widow which stands to reason that the tone and themes from the source material should stay intact.

The material which Netflix has access to 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
  • Rhyme Stew

On the partnership, Mrs. Dahl states:

“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. This partnership with Netflix marks a significant move toward making that possible…. Roald would, I know, be thrilled.”

This deal sounds like a fountain of great material which could easily be adapted to a younger audience, and I’m thrilled to see that it is already slated to begin in 2019!

There is no news as to if this will cause any issues with the production of the Willy Wonka prequel which was previously in the works.

Are you looking forward to Netflix adapting Roald Dahl’s works? Which of his stories are you most excited to see an animated take on? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources:  TV Line