Netflix Intends to Make a Roald Dahl Extended Universe

Roald Dahl once wrote as Willy Wonka: “There’s no earthly way of knowing. Which direction we are going. There’s no knowing where we’re rowing. Or which way the river’s flowing…” Except, now the river will only flow one way when it comes to Roal Dahl properties, and that’s toward Netflix.

In a recent release, Netflix announced that they have acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company. This means they have screen rights to properties including Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryMatilda,  James and the Giant Peach, and many others. In their announcement, Netflix discusses some Roald Dahl adaptations already underway. For instance, Taika Waititi and Phil Johnston’s series “based on the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Additionally, Netflix mentions working with “Sony and Working Title on an adaptation of Matilda The Musical.”

But Netflix’s plans include even more than that. They’re thinking big and looking to build the RDEU. (The Roald Dahl Extended Universe)

Netflix shares they’re considering “the creation of a unique universe across animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theatre, consumer products and more.”

Netflix acquires Roald Dahl Story Company, Netflix's golden ticket peering out of a Wonka Bar

Netflix

They further add:

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. These stories and their messages of the power and possibility of young people have never felt more pertinent.

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.

Classic stories meet new imagination sounds like the perfect combination to us. We can’t wait to see what Dahlian delights Netflix has cooking in their factory.

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