Streaming giant Netflix has agreed a deal to publish series based on a number of Roald Dahl stories.
The much-loved children’s author lived in Great Missenden for 36 years before his death in 1990 and has a museum dedicated to him in the village, as well as a children’s gallery in Aylesbury.
Now Netflix has announced an agreement with the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) that will see award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi work on an adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Read more: Five Roald Dahl books and short stories that you may not have read
Waititi helmed Oscar-winning movie Jojo Rabbit and the acclaimed Marvel superhero flick Thor: Ragnarok and Netflix say they’re working with Sony and Working Title on a Matilda musical.
A joint statement from Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer and Luke Kelly, Roald Dahl’s grandson and the managing director of the RDSC revealed the news.
“We’re excited to announce that the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) and Netflix are joining forces to bring some of the world's most loved stories to current and future fans in creative new ways,” the statemen reads.
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“This acquisition builds on the partnership we started three years ago to create a slate of animated TV series.
“For example, Academy Award winning filmmaker Taika Waititi and Academy Award nominee Phil Johnston are now hard at work on a series based on the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“In addition, we’re working with Sony and Working Title on an adaptation of Matilda The Musical.
“These projects opened our eyes to a much more ambitious venture - the creation of a unique universe across animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theatre, consumer products and more.
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“Roald Dahl's books have been translated into 63 languages and sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, with characters like Matilda, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Willy Wonka and The Twits delighting generations of children and adults.
“These stories and their messages of the power and possibility of young people have never felt more pertinent.
“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.
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Five Roald Dahl books and short stories that you may not have read
“Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company share a deep love of storytelling and a growing, global fan base.
“Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to write multiple new chapters of these beloved stories, delighting children and adults around the world for generations to come.”
Netflix has over 209m paid memberships in over 190 countries while the Roald Dahl Story Company protects and grows the cultural value of The Roald Dahl stories with its unique breadth of characters and worlds.
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