Netflix has purchased the entire Roald Dahl estate

Netflix has announced its purchase of the Roald Dahl estate.

The streaming giant has taken on the rights to the entire back catalogue of beloved children’s stories written by Roald Dahl, meaning adaptations of The BFG and James and the Giant Peach could be on our screens before long.

The deal means Netflix now control publishing rights as well as television and film rights, and will receive the royalties. Netflix will have the ability to create various spin-offs such as live stage shows, games, all sorts of other experiences. 

In a joint statement, Luke Kelly of the Roald Dahl Story Company and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos said they were “joining forces to bring some of the world’s most loved stories to current and future fans in creative new ways”.

Taika Waititi is already working on a series based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory thanks to a 2019 deal, and Sony has been working on an adaptation of Matilda The Musical.

A total of 19 TV, films, and theatre projects are already underway.

“These projects opened our eyes to a much more ambitious venture – the creation of a unique universe across animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theatre, consumer products and more,” Mr Kelly and Mr Sarandos said.

“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.”

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