Source:
https://scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3149692/netflix-buy-novelist-roald-dahls-complete-works-opening-way
Lifestyle/ Entertainment

Netflix to buy novelist Roald Dahl’s complete works, opening the way for animated and live-action movies and TV series, games and more

  • Streaming giant plans productions based on popular writer’s characters and stories, as well as publishing projects, theatre shows, games and consumer products
  • Netflix already had an agreement to make animated shows based on the British author’s works, but the new deal will give it reams of material to exploit
Actor Johnny Depp in the movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Netflix’s purchase of Dahl’s works will lead to more adaptations for big and small screen, and gaming. Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment

Netflix has agreed to buy the works of novelist Roald Dahl, snaring a catalogue that has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide and including titles such as Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The streaming giant plans to use Dahl’s characters and stories for animated and live-action films and TV series, publishing projects, games, theatre shows and consumer products, Netflix said. The deal’s completion is subject to regulatory approvals, it said.

An acquisition is a rare event for Netflix – the company has made fewer than 10 in the past decade – and this would be its biggest. Its usual practice is to sign deals with big-name filmmakers and TV producers who can deliver the programming the service needs to keep attracting subscribers, which now top 209 million.

The late British writer Roald Dahl, author of novels including the children’s classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Photo: SCMP
The late British writer Roald Dahl, author of novels including the children’s classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Photo: SCMP

But the works of Dahl, especially his children’s books, represent a rare opportunity to lock up the catalogue of a big-name author who appeals to both children and adults and would give Netflix reams of material to build into movies and TV shows.

Many of Dahl’s books have already made it to Hollywood, including James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman (right) in a 1996 live-action film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman (right) in a 1996 live-action film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.

While Netflix didn’t disclose terms of the deal, the author’s catalogue is certain to fetch a high price. Netflix’s deal for his works three years ago was reported at the time to be among the biggest ever for kids and family programming, worth US$500 million to US$1 billion.

Two Dahl film projects are in the works now, according to the Internet Movie Database. Netflix is making Matilda, about the precocious British youngster, and Warner Bros. is filming Wonka, a story focused on the young Willy Wonka.

Dahl’s legacy is complicated by anti-Semitic remarks he made over his lifetime. The family has apologised for those on the Roald Dahl website. The author died in 1990 at the age of 74.