Wes Anderson To Adapt Another Roald Dahl Classic Into A Film
12 years after the acclaimed Fantastic Mr Fox, Wes Anderson will return to write and direct a second Roald Dahl tale, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.
The film adaptation—as first reported by Deadline, citing sources close to the project—will be just one of a trove of originals Netflix has planned that draw from the fantastical stories of the children’s book author. In September last year, the streaming giant acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in a US$1 billion deal and bought rights to Dahl’s entire catalog, attaining free rein to Willy-Wonka his beloved books for screens.
The acquisition will open up opportunities for “the creation of a unique universe across animated and live-action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theater, consumer products and more,” Netflix described then.
Published in 1977, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar follows a gambling addict who obtains rare yogic powers that give him the ability to see the backs of playing cards. He initially uses his powers at casinos for personal gain, but later finds it more rewarding to harness them to help the less fortunate.
Benedict Cumberbatch will star as Henry Sugar in the upcoming film. Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, and Ben Kingsley have also been cast.
This tale, however, is just one-seventh of short stories written in the eponymous book, which is deemed as more for adults than for Dahl’s usual demographic of readers. It’s unclear which other titles would be adapted as well, though sources told Deadline that there will be a trio of mini-films stemming from the literature.
In addition to The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Netflix has bagged partnerships with Taika Waititi and Phil Johnston to reimagine Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a series, as well as Sony and Working Title to adapt Matilda the Musical.
