Netflix Sets Roald Dahl Series With Cast Including Nicola Coughlan, Imelda Staunton & Dominic West
By Jake Kanter
International Investigations Editor, Deadline
Netflix is diving deeper into the world of Roald Dahl with a new series based on the author’s short stories for adults. The streaming giant has recruited Danny Brocklehurst, creator of the hit series Fool Me Once, to pen a six-part drama exploring some of Dahl’s vignettes.
This move signifies Netflix’s ongoing ambition to tap into Dahl’s archives, following the greenlight of the competition series The Golden Ticket, centered around Willy Wonka’s world. Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021.
Cast Announced
The untitled Brocklehurst drama boasts a star-studded cast including:
- Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton)
- Imelda Staunton (The Crown)
- Dominic West (The Wire)
Rounding out the ensemble are Naomi Scott (Smile 2), Josh Finan (Say Nothing), Toby Jones (MobLand), Carmen Ejogo (The Penguin), Christine Tremarco (Adolescence), Michael Socha (The Cage), and Clarke Peters (The Boroughs).
Logline
Here’s the captivating logline: "Brocklehurst weaves a deliciously twisted tale through Roald Dahl’s iconic short stories. A young couple, marooned in a faded seaside town, navigate conmen, adulterers, murderous mothers, and snake charmers as they attempt to escape before their own fate is sealed."
Production Details
The series will be produced by Orchid Pictures, founded by The Crown producer Suzanne Mackie. Orchid is currently crafting Peter Morgan’s The Boys from Brazil for Netflix.
Brocklehurst has long admired Dahl, stating in interviews that the author was the first writer he wanted to emulate. He adds: "His enthralling, macabre, and always unexpected tales gave life to vibrant, larger-than-life characters like The Landlady, Mister Boggis…"
