On Wednesday, September 22nd, streaming service Netflix announced the acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company.
This organization manages the rights to the works of the famous British writer Roald Dahl.
Among his most famous works are the fairy tale "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", the novels for children "Witches", "Matilda", the fairy tale "The Amazing Mr. Fox".
These and many other books by the writer have been adapted for film and television screens, as well as for the theater stage.
The deal was announced in a joint statement by Netflix CEO and COO Ted Sarandos and Roald Dahl Story Company CEO Luke Kelly, Roald Dahl's grandson.
It is published on the official website of the streaming service.
The companies began cooperation three years ago: then the filming of a number of animated series was planned.
Now the studio has set itself the goal of presenting even more products in different formats.
“These projects opened our eyes to the possibility of a much more ambitious endeavor - creating a unique universe of animated and fictional films and television, publishing, games, immersive entertainment, theatrical performances, consumer products and more,” the statement said.
“By presenting these ageless tales in new formats to a wider audience, we remain committed to preserving their unique spirit and universal themes of kindness and surprise, while adding a pinch of modern magic to this combination,” promise Kelly and Sarandos.
They emphasize that the works of Roald Dahl are among the favorite stories of many generations of children and adults around the world and do not lose their relevance.
"These stories and their message about the strength and capabilities of young people are relevant today more than ever," says Netflix.
"In the cartoon" James and the Giant Peach "there is a moment when the Ladybug says:" We are now probably waiting for magical lands and all kinds of wonders ", and the Centipede replies:" Nobody can know what awaits us! "
Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company have a love for stories and a growing fan base around the world.
Together we have a unique opportunity to write many new chapters of beloved stories that bring joy to children and adults from all over the world, and will bring it to future generations, ”concluded Ted Sarandos and Luke Kelly.
It is noted that the transaction will be completed after approval by the regulatory authorities and compliance with other standard formalities.
At the moment, there are three projects in the works.
Two of them are animated series based on the universe of the story "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".
In March 2020, it was announced that Taika Waititi would be responsible for their development as producer, screenwriter and director.
In one of the series, we will talk about the characters of the story, but it is planned that the authors will largely develop the storylines set by Dahl.
The other will be an original story about the workers of Willy Wonka's factory - umpa-lumpahs.
A full-length feature film by Tim Burton based on the fairy tale was released in 2005.
Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore played the central roles in it.
The film was nominated for an Oscar and grossed an impressive box office - almost $ 475 million.
Also in 2020, it became known about Netflix's plans to transfer to the screen the musical "Matilda", based on the book of the same name by Dahl for children.
To do this, the service has teamed up with Sony Pictures.
In the UK, the film will be released in cinemas, while viewers from the rest of the countries will be able to watch the tape on the Internet platform.
💫 * Alisha Weir as Matilda * 💫
💫 * Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull * 💫
💫 * Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey * 💫
That's magic.
That's MATILDA.
Director Matthew Warchus' musical adaptation, coming to Netflix.
pic.twitter.com/CcTbItI8TV
- NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) January 15, 2021
In January 2021, some details about the project appeared on the social networks of the service.
So, the main character will be played by Alisha Weir, Miss Honey's teacher - Lashana Lynch, and Miss Trunchbull's school director - Emma Thompson.
Earlier it was planned that a male director performed by Rafe Fiennes would appear in the tape, but this idea was abandoned.
The script is being adapted by the author of the musical, Dennis Kelly, and the composer of the project is Tim Minchin.
The film is directed by Matthew Worchas.
All three worked on the production, which was staged in theaters in London's West End, New York Broadway and other stages around the world.
The performance has won a variety of prestigious awards, including several Tony's.
In 1996, the film of the same name was released with Danny DeVito (the actor also directed the picture).
The tape failed at home, but it fell in love with the audience and earned critical praise.
Roald Dahl's works have been translated into 63 languages.
They have sold a total circulation of over 300 million copies.
It is estimated that, on average, another copy is sold every 2.6 seconds.