In one of the most unexpected news stories you’re likely to read this week, Deadline has revealed that Drive and Only God Forgives filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn is developing a new TV adaptation of Enid Blyton’s classic children’s book series The Famous Five for the BBC.
According to the trade, Refn is producing three 90-minute features through his byNWR Originals production company, which will be distributed by BBC Studios. The BBC will broadcast in the UK, along with ZDF in Germany and TF1 in France.
“All my life I’ve fought vigorously to remain a child with a lust for adventure,” states Refn. “By reimagining The Famous Five, I am preserving that notion by bringing these iconic stories to life for a progressive new audience, instilling the undefinable allure and enchantment of childhood for current and future generations to come.”
“These stories are loved around the world and bringing families together is a key part of our strategy so we hope it introduces a new generaBBC Children’s Director Patricia Hidalgo.
Blyton’s classic 21-book series was published between 1942 and 1962 and follows four young friends, Julian, Dick, Anne and George, and their faithful dog Timmy who embark on fantastic adventures during their school holidays.
Refn’s series will mark the third live-action television adaptation of Blyton’s book series, and the first from the BBC, with ITV having broadcast the previous two in 1978 and 1995 respectively. A UK-French animated series Famous 5: On the Case also aired in 2008.
