Netflix Is Making New Versions of ‘Matilda,’ ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and Other Classic Roald Dahl Movies

Netflix is rolling out new versions of classic Roald Dahl stories, including “Matilda,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The BFG,” “The Twits” and a number of others.

These beloved children’s tomes will be turned into animated specials and limited event series by the streaming service. They will not be ongoing shows. Production on the first series will begin in 2019.

Many of Dahl’s books have been adapted for the screen throughout the years to great success. He died in 1990 at the age of 74, but his legacy lives on in the continued immense popularity of his work.

“Our mission, which is purposefully lofty, is for as many children as possible around the world to experience the unique magic and positive message of Roald Dahl’s stories,” Felicity Dahl, the author’s widow, said in a statement. “This partnership with Netflix marks a significant move toward making that possible and is an incredibly exciting new chapter for the Roald Dahl Story Company. Roald would, I know, be thrilled.”

The total budget for the projects could reach $1 billion, according to the The Hollywood Reporter. Sources told the publication that Netflix paid a nine-figure sum for the rights to the works. The deal was brokered by Endeavor Content.

Watch a trailer for the collaboration, posted to YouTube by Netflix:

“Netflix intends to remain faithful to the quintessential spirit and tone of Dahl while also building out an imaginative story universe that expands far beyond the pages of the books themselves,” Netflix and the Roald Dahl Story Company said in a joint statement.

Are you excited to see Dahl’s iconic stories on Netflix?