The filmmaker behind What We Do in the Shadows (2014) and Jojo Rabbit (2019) is at work adapting one of the most famous children's books of all time. As Variety reports, Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi will write, direct, and executive produce two animated series based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Dahl's book has been adapted for the screen several times since it was first published in 1964. Waititi will present two new takes on the classic children's tale. The first will explore the world of Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka that's presented in the book, and the second will focus on the Oompa-Loompas. According to Netflix, the animated shows will "retain the quintessential spirit and tone of the original story" while building upon the source material in fresh ways.
The two Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adaptations will be the first of many collaborations between Netflix and The Roald Dahl Story Company. The streaming platform also has plans to reimagine other Dahl stories such as Matilda, The BFG, and The Twits.
This isn't the first time Taika Waititi has worked with a beloved property. The director made his contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thor: Ragnarok in 2017, and expanded upon the world of Star Wars with his own episode of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian.