Netflix has acquired the rights to the works of children’s author Roald Dahl
Netflix has acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) in a £500m (US$680m, €580m) deal that will see the streaming giant create immersive experiences based on the author’s beloved children’s stories.
The acquisition sees Netflix become the rightsholder to Dahl’s classic children’s books, including favourites such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Matilda.
It builds on an existing deal between Netflix and Dahl’s estate, dating back to 2018, that enabled the streaming service to develop a number of animated TV series based on the books.
Netflix has said that it plans to create a Dahl-themed “universe across animated and live-action films and TV, publishing, immersive experiences, consumer products and more.”
A joint statement from Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, and RDSC’s managing director, Luke Kelly, said that the companies are “joining forces to bring some of the world’s most-loved stories to current and future fans in creative new ways.”
Current plans include a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory TV series, which is being developed by acclaimed director Taika Waititi and screenwriter Phil Johnston, and an adaptation of Matilda the Musical, which Netflix is developing in partnership with Sony and Working Title.
These projects “opened our eyes to a much more ambitious venture,” said Sarandos and Kelly.
The acquisition comes at a time when Netflix seems to be moving more and more into the immersive experience sector.
The streaming service currently licenses its Stranger Things and The Haunting at Hill House IPs to Universal theme parks for its Halloween Horror Nights immersive experience, and has worked with the Brooklyn Museum on an exhibition featuring costumes from hit series The Queen’s Gambit and The Crown.
“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,” the statement said.
“Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue the close working relationships established by RDSC with existing rights holders, publishing, theatre and entertainment partners, and many others to protect and grow the great legacy of these beloved stories.”
Netflix has acquired the rights to the works of children’s author Roald Dahl
Netflix has acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) in a £500m (US$680m, €580m) deal that will see the streaming giant create immersive experiences based on the author’s beloved children’s stories.
The acquisition sees Netflix become the rightsholder to Dahl’s classic children’s books, including favourites such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Matilda.
It builds on an existing deal between Netflix and Dahl’s estate, dating back to 2018, that enabled the streaming service to develop a number of animated TV series based on the books.
Netflix has said that it plans to create a Dahl-themed “universe across animated and live-action films and TV, publishing, immersive experiences, consumer products and more.”
A joint statement from Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, and RDSC’s managing director, Luke Kelly, said that the companies are “joining forces to bring some of the world’s most-loved stories to current and future fans in creative new ways.”
Current plans include a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory TV series, which is being developed by acclaimed director Taika Waititi and screenwriter Phil Johnston, and an adaptation of Matilda the Musical, which Netflix is developing in partnership with Sony and Working Title.
These projects “opened our eyes to a much more ambitious venture,” said Sarandos and Kelly.
The acquisition comes at a time when Netflix seems to be moving more and more into the immersive experience sector.
The streaming service currently licenses its Stranger Things and The Haunting at Hill House IPs to Universal theme parks for its Halloween Horror Nights immersive experience, and has worked with the Brooklyn Museum on an exhibition featuring costumes from hit series The Queen’s Gambit and The Crown.
“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,” the statement said.
“Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue the close working relationships established by RDSC with existing rights holders, publishing, theatre and entertainment partners, and many others to protect and grow the great legacy of these beloved stories.”
