Breaking News! If you are a Roald Dahl fan then you are in for a treat. Netflix has not only expanded their initial deal to bring in the author’s works of his life, but the streamer has also purchased Roald Dahl Story company in 2021 for a more than a 500million pound deal. With several projects already in the making, The Company is said to be working autonomously within the overall Netflix business. An acclaimed author, Roald Dahl who was born in Llandaff, Cardiff was a son of Norwegian immigrant parents who served in the RAF in WW2 and later on worked on various propaganda pieces.
Some of the projects by the author that will be coming on Netflix:
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:
Date Published: January 17, 1964
Netflix release date: yet to be announced
It comes as no surprise that Charley and the Chocolate Factory is amongst the first projects to get released on Netflix. We now can confirm that Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit director: Taika Waititi, would write, direct and executive produce both the movies: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great glass elevator.
First published in 1964, making it sixty years old, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a children’s beloved novel was adapted into a movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with Gene Wilder, is 50 years old and celebrated its 50th anniversary on 12th August 2021.
- Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator:
Date published: 1972
Netflix release date: yet to be announced
The multi-talented Taika Waititi would be responsible again for the direction, writing, and executive production of this first-ever on-screen adaptation of Charlie and the Glass Elevator. THis children’s novel was written 50 years ago and no one has taken on this project until now. The novel is a sequel is far more bizarre and outlandish than CHarlie and the Chocolate Factory.
- Matilda:
Date Published: October 1, 1988
Netflix Release Date: December 2022
The 1996 film adaptation of Matilda is still very close to the hearts of the children of the ’90s, who grew up watching this movie. Netflix would have to work its magic to capture the essence of the novel if the streamer wants to adapt it into an animated wonder.
There is no information as to who would be directing writing and producing the project. There are speculations that there would also be a live-action musical of the novel soon.
The film would be directed by Matthew Warchus which would be an adaptation of the Tony- Award-winning musical directed by Tim Minchin.
A few more Potential Projects coming in the future:
- The BFG:
Date Published: 1982
Netflix release date: Yet to be announced
After two on-screen adaptations for the movie, with a successful 1989 animation, and a failed attempt by Steven Speilberg in 2016, Netflix would be the third attempt at the film. The main challenge for the streamer would be to make sure they ace the most lovable, Big Friendly Giant who is the most well-known and beloved character of Roald Dahl Novels by the children. The voice-over of the giant would be expected to be done by David Jason who also did it in the ITV’s 1989 animated feature.
To name a few others :
- George’s marvelous, medicine
- Boy Tales of childhood
- Going Solo
- Henry Sugar
- Dirty Beasts
And many more…
Not all the NOvels would be turned into movies:
As Netflix doesn’t have the license to adapt all the novels from Roald Dahl’s bibliography, the streamer wouldn’t be able to turn most of his work into films any time soon.
A few amongst these are:
- Danny, Champion of the world
- Gremlins
- James and the Giant Peach
- The Magic Fingers
- The witch
To name a few…
