Netflix has expanded on their previous deal to produce stories based on the work of Roald Dahl, by acquiring the whole of The Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) the streaming service has announced.
The acquisition builds on the partnership the companies 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,” commented Ted Sarandos, Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer and Luke Kelly, Managing Director, RDSC and Roald Dahl’s grandson in a statement. “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,” the statement continues. “We want to say a huge thank you to all the people who have contributed to this great story so far. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue the close working relationships established by RDSC with existing rights holders, publishing, theatre and entertainment partners, and many others to protect and grow the great legacy of these beloved stories.”
Alongside the aforementioned ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Matilda The Musical’ adaptations, there are 19 TV shows, films, stage shows and live experiences already in the works, based on Dahl’s beloved properties. We don’t know how much Netflix paid for The Roald Dahl Story Company, but RDSC made around £26m in 2019 from the various works, based on the 2019 accounts.
We don’t know when the first of the Roald Dahl/Netflix projects are due to land on the streaming service, but we will keep you updated when we hear something.
