Netflix is adapting Roald Dahl's stories into series
What's the story
Netflix is strengthening its content library by making a strong foray into the animation department, and in this light, they have announced that they will be adapting Roald Dahl's stories into a series. Production for the series is expected to begin in 2019. This decision makes sense as a previous Netflix survey showed 60% of its audience viewed family and children's content. Here's more.
Books
What are the books that will be adapted?
Among the acclaimed writer's stories that will be streamed in the Netflix series, are Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, BFG, Esio Trot, Tales of Childhood, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Dirty Beasts, George's Marvellous Medicine and many others. However, the notable stories not coming to Netflix are James and the Giant Peach and the story of Fantastic Mr Fox.
Intent
Spreading Dahl's message to children globally
Dahl's widow, Felicity, expressed excitement when Netflix acquired the rights from his estate. She said that their lofty aim was to ensure children globally could enjoy and experience the magic and positive message of Dahl's stories. She regarded the partnership with Netflix as a significant move signaling a new chapter in the Roald Dahl Story Company. She said, "Roald would, I know, be thrilled".
Commitment
Netflix too holds Dahl in high honor
Netflix, on their part, assured they would 'remain faithful to the quintessential spirit and tone of Dahl' and expressed gratitude for the Dahl family's trust in them. The Vice President of kids and family content, Melissa Cobb, promised Netflix would only use the highest quality of animation and production values as they re-imagined in contemporary and fresh ways, the journeys of Dahl's treasured characters.
Popularity
The existing outreach of Dahl
Netflix's decision to make Dahl's books into series is sensible as he is already hugely popular among children. His stories are available in 58 languages and sold over 200 million copies worldwide. This is not the first time his books have been adapted to screen, as Disney adapted James and the Giant Peach in 1996 and Wes Anderson made Fantastic Mr Fox in 2009.
Business angle
Why is Netflix suddenly interested in animation?
Netflix's sudden foray into animation comes after Disney's plans to launch its streaming service in 2019 and remove their content from third-party platforms. Netflix had until then been licensing movies and series from Disney. They are thus investing millions of dollars into animation and have notably enlisted Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro to direct Pinocchio. The step with Dahl's books just cements their entry.
Personal
The irony of adapting Dahl's books
While Dahl might be thrilled that the message of his books would now reach more children globally, one cannot help but remark on the irony of the adaptation of Dahl's works for television. He was famously vocal about the brain-damaging effect of television on children.