Filmmaker Taika Waititi is joining Netflix in exploring new storylines for the classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Waititi has previously won an Oscar for Jojo Rabbit. Netflix announced that there will be two animated series released based off of the author Roald Dahl’s beloved tale.
Waiti is set to write, direct, and produce both projects. The first series is reported to explore the “characters and world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The second series will be an original story, including the origins and world of the Oompa-Loompas.
Netflix stated, “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.
“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 Netflix Vice President of Original Animation, Melissa Cobb. “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.”
Commercial and entertainment director for the Roald Dahl Story Company, Gideon Simeloff added: “In the words of Willy Wonka himself – we are ‘Delighted! Charmed! Overjoyed!’ with Taika’s appointment on this project.’’
“There is something undeniably Wonka-esque about Taika’s creative flair and inimitable sense of humour, and we cannot think of anyone more perfectly suited to leading the creative charge on these first of their kind, feature quality Netflix shows.’’
