Netflix confirmed on Tuesday that it has secured the rights to a slew of Roald Dahl classics and will be producing animated films for the streaming channel in 2019. This is good news for lovers of the classic stories and will attract family viewers.

With Disney removing content from other streaming channels – including Netflix – in the hope of attracting an audience for its own streaming channel, it seems Netflix is pushing for its own animated films to replace the Disney content.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ on Netflix

Through an agreement between Netflix and Roald Dahl's estate, the likes of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Twits,” “Esio Trot” and the “BFG” will be getting the Netflix animated treatment during 2019.

There will be a selection of other adaptations, with plans afoot for a “story universe” which will adapt Dahl’s work and other animated series. The Guardian lists other Dahl stories that will be heading to the streaming channel, including “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator,” “Matilda,” “Boy: Tales of Childhood,” “The Enormous Crocodile,” “The Magic Finger,” and more.

Reportedly some novels were not included in the new Netflix deal, including “Danny the Champion of the World,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “Fantastic Mr.

Fox.”

Production begins in 2019

No set schedule has been announced, but Netflix did confirm production will start on the first animated adaption in 2019. As reported by the BBC in their press release Netflix said the streaming channel will be faithful to what they termed “the quintessential spirit and tone of Dahl.

Netflix will also be making an “imaginative story universe” expanding beyond the stories in the books themselves.

The streaming company intends to reimagine the journeys taken by the treasured Dahl characters in a fresh, contemporary way with the highest-quality animation. Netflix will be working with the Roald Dahl Story Company in all the adaptations.

A vision to reach many children worldwide

Roald Dahl’s widow, Felicity Dahl, said their vision is that as many children as possible, worldwide, should experience the positive message and unique magic of her late husband’s stories.

She went on to say the partnership with Netflix is a significant and positive move towards making their goals possible. Felicity also said it marks “an incredibly exciting new chapter” for the Roald Dahl Story Company. She added that Roald would have been thrilled to hear the news.
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