Back in 2018 Netflix signed a deal with The Roald Dahl Story Company to produce a slate of animated adaptations of the legendary British author’s children’s novels, and now the streamer has gone one step further by acquiring the RDSC in its entirety with plans to launch an entire Roald Dahl multimedia universe.
“These stories and their messages of the power and possibility of young people have never felt more pertinent,” said Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and RDSC’s Luke Kelly. “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.”
“Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company share a deep love of storytelling and a growing, global fan base,” they continued. “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.
As per Variety, Netflix is planning to pump around $1 billion into production on a number of projects spanning live-action and animated film and TV, video games, publishing, immersive experiences, live theatre and consumer products. It is already working on two Charlie and the Chocolate Factory animated series from Taika Waititi, and is also teaming with Sony and Working Title for a live-action adaptation of Matilda The Musical.