Netflix has announced its latest and probably one of its biggest deals ever. The global streaming giant has now acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC), the company that controls the rights to Roald Dahl’s magnificent stories, and is all set to “bring some of the world’s most loved stories to current and future fans in creative new ways.”
This acquisition takes ahead the deal Netflix signed with RDSC three years ago to create a slate of animated TV series. The projects currently under works as per the earlier partnership include Academy Award winning filmmaker Taika Waititi and Academy Award nominee Phil Johnston’s series based on the world of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and another wholly original take on the Oompa-Loompas.
Other than the above there’s also Sony and Working Title’s live action feature film adaptation of the multi-award-winning stage show ‘Matilda’, directed by Matthew Warchus, starring Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch and introducing Alisha Weir as Matilda that will be released in 2022.
Building on this, Netflix is now looking forward 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.”
Check out the official announcement 👇🏼
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.
With this acquisition, the financial details of which have been kept under wraps, Netflix would present a tough competition to contents from the likes of Disney and other such streaming services.