Sept. 22 (UPI) — Netflix has acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company, which manages the rights to the works of late British author Roald Dahl, and its extensive catalog.
The streaming service said in a press release Wednesday that it will create “a unique universe” based on Dahl’s works, which include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Netflix will develop new animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theater, consumer products and more, in addition to the projects it already has in the works.
Netflix previously acquired the animated rights to 16 of Dahl’s titles in 2018. As part of that deal, Taika Waititi and Phil Johnston are working on a series based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, while Sony and Working Title are developing an adaptation of Matilda The Musical.
Netflix said the new projects will maintain the “unique spirit” and “universal themes of surprise and kindness” of Dahl’s works while “also sprinkling some fresh magic into the mix.”
“There is a moment in James and the Giant Peach when the Ladybird says: ‘We are now about to visit the most marvelous places and see the most wonderful things!’ The Centipede replies, ‘there is no knowing what we shall see!'” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and RDSC managing director Luke Kelly said in a statement.
“Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company share a deep love of storytelling and a growing, global fan base,” the pair added. “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.”
Dahl died at age 74 in 1990. His books have been translated into 63 languages and sold more than 300 million copies worldwide.