Netflix has announced a new six-part series based on Roald Dahl's short stories for adults, adapted by Danny Brocklehurst, with production already underway in Manchester and across the North of England. The announcement was made at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Star-Studded Cast Announced
The series features a cast including Imelda Staunton from The Crown, Nicola Coughlan from Bridgerton, Toby Jones from MobLand, and Dominic West from The Wire. Other cast members include Naomi Scott, Josh Finan, Carmen Ejogo, Christine Tremarco, Michael Socha and Clarke Peters.
Netflix teased the series, saying: "Danny Brocklehurst weaves a deliciously twisted tale through Roald Dahl’s iconic short stories. A young couple, marooned in a faded seaside town, navigate conmen, adulterers, murderous mothers and snake charmers as they attempt to escape before their own fate is sealed."
Adapting Dahl's Macabre Tales
Brocklehurst expressed his excitement, sharing: "The short stories of Roald Dahl were what first made me want to become a writer. His enthralling, macabre and always unexpected tales gave life to vibrant, larger than life characters like The Landlady, Mister Boggis and the mysterious Fingersmith."
He added: "To be given the chance to bring these characters to life in a contemporary setting is a dream come true. I couldn't be more thrilled to be partnering with Orchid Pictures, Netflix and this outstanding cast."
Dahl's Legacy and Adaptations
Roald Dahl wrote more than 60 short stories, many originally for American magazines such as Collier's, Playboy and The New Yorker. He received three Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America. One of his famous adult stories, The Smoker, has been adapted numerous times, including for Quentin Tarantino's segment of the film Four Rooms.
Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. The Roald Dahl series will air on Netflix.
