Peter Capaldi is set to appear in a new Netflix drama based on the darker short stories of Roald Dahl, joining an ensemble cast that includes Nicola Coughlan, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton. The six-part series, expected to arrive on the streaming platform in 2027, is inspired by the author's lesser-known adult fiction.
Dark Tales From Roald Dahl
Unlike the beloved children's books that made Dahl famous, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and The BFG, the upcoming production will explore his more unsettling short stories. The series will bring together these characters and their twisted plots to form one continuous story.
According to The Times, the drama, filming under the working title Zoltar, focuses on a young couple stranded in a declining seaside town. Their attempts to find a way out lead them into the company of a disturbing assortment of locals, including conmen, adulterers, murderous mothers and snake charmers.
Cast and Production Details
The series was penned by Danny Brocklehurst, the writer behind Netflix hit Fool Me Once and comedy drama Brassic. He has previously spoken about the influence Dahl's adult fiction had on his own ambitions, revealing that the author's short stories inspired him to become a writer.
Joining Capaldi in the supporting cast are Toby Jones, Naomi Scott, Josh Finan, Carmen Ejogo, Christine Tremarco, Michael Socha and Clarke Peters. Production began in August, with filming taking place across northern England. Manchester and Scarborough are among the locations used for the series, which Orchid Pictures is making.
Capaldi's Career Milestones
For Capaldi, the project adds another major television role to a career that began with a breakthrough appearance in Bill Forsyth's acclaimed Scottish film Local Hero in 1983. He went on to become a household name through his portrayal of the foul-mouthed government adviser Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It, a performance that earned him widespread critical acclaim.
In 2013, he took on the iconic role of the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who, introducing himself to an international audience as the Time Lord. More recently, he has appeared in television dramas including The Devil's Hour and Criminal Record. Away from acting, he has also developed a passion for music, releasing two albums and occasionally performing live.
Netflix has yet to confirm the drama's final title or announce an exact release date. However, the six-part series is expected to arrive on the streaming platform in 2027, offering viewers a very different take on the world of Roald Dahl.
