Netflix buys Roald Dahl Story Company — what might that mean?

Subject to final ratification from various external parties, we have the news Netflix buys Roald Dahl Story Company. We see this is a strategic move, bolstering the portfolio and bringing a strong brand to the company. It bodes well for a lot of new content aimed at younger audiences, helping compete with Disney.

Here’s what Netflix has to say about the deal:

This acquisition builds on the partnership we started three years ago to create a slate of animated TV series. For example, Academy Award winning filmmaker Taika Waititi and Academy Award nominee Phil Johnston are now hard at work on a series based on the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In addition, we’re working with Sony and Working Title on an adaptation of Matilda The Musical.

These projects opened our eyes to a much more ambitious venture — the creation of a unique universe across animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theatre, consumer products and more. Roald Dahl’s books have been translated into 63 languages and sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, with characters like Matilda, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Willy Wonka and The Twits delighting generations of children and adults. These stories and their messages of the power and possibility of young people have never felt more pertinent.

As we bring these timeless tales to more audiences in new formats, we’re committed to maintaining their unique spirit and their universal themes of surprise and kindness, while also sprinkling some fresh magic into the mix.

Given Netflix’s penchant for limited series and three season series, we predict a lot of new content coming from around 2023. You can read the full press release and see the scale of the Roald Dahl Story Company. We note the existing charity arrangements, and hope this isn’t lost in the future.