Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit director Taika Waititi is partnering with Netflix on two animated series based on the world of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
According to Variety, Waititi will write, direct, and executive produce both animated projects for the streaming service — one based on the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and another based on the Oompa-Loompa characters.
“The shows will retain the quintessential spirit and tone of the original story while building out the world and characters far beyond the pages of the Dahl book for the very first time,” Netflix said.
These projects are the beginning of a partnered deal between Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company to adapt and reimagine Dahl’s classic books including Matilda, The Twits, The BFG, and more.
“Finding just the right creative partner to bring Willy Wonka, Charlie and the Oompa-Loompas to life in animation was a daunting task…until Taika walked into the room,” said Melissa Cobb, Netflix Vice President of Original Animation. “Then, it was really obvious. If Dahl had created a character of a filmmaker to adapt his work, I’m pretty sure he would have created Taika.”
“In the words of Willy Wonka himself – we are ‘Delighted! Charmed! Overjoyed!’ with Taika’s appointment on this project,” added Gideon Simeloff, commercial and entertainment director for the Roald Dahl Story Company. “There is something undeniably Wonka-esque about Taika’s creative flair and inimitable sense of humor and we cannot think of anyone more perfectly suited to leading the creative charge on these first of their kind, feature quality Netflix shows.”
Are you excited by Taika Waititi’s involvement in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory franchise? Which adaptation are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @flickeringmyth…
