Brian Jacques’ Redwall books are officially getting the adaptation treatment over at Netflix.
On Wednesday (February 10), Netflix announced that it is teaming with Penguin Random House Children’s UK to develop not one— but two adaptations of the popular Redwall books.
Based on the series by author Brian Jacques, the books focus on telling the adventures of the heroic animals that inhabit the forest haven of Redwall Abbey. Since being published, the 21 books in Jacques’ series have gone on to sell over 30 million copies, and have been translated in to more than 20 languages to date.
As part of the rights deal, Netflix is gearing up to adapt the popular series into a feature film, as well as an event television series.
Specifically, the feature film adaptation will be based off of the first book in Jacques’ series, Redwall. The online streaming giant has tapped Patrick McHale to write the script for the book to film adaptation. Currently, McHale is also working on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio adaptation.
The series adaptation will focus on the character of Martin the Warrior.
Though Jacques died in 2011, Alan Ingram, a representative of The Redwall Abbey Company (who owns the late author’s intellectual property) says the novelist would be excited about the forthcoming adaptations.
“Brian often travelled the globe to tell his Redwall stories to young audiences, more often than not at their schools,” said Ingram in a statement. “Brian would have been very happy to see that Netflix shares his joy and desire to bring his stories to life as a new universe of films, series and potentially much more for audiences of all ages to enjoy. We are very excited to embark on this new endeavor with Netflix and Penguin Random House UK.”
Added Ben Horslen, Fiction Publisher, Penguin Random House Children’s: “We couldn’t be more delighted to announce this deal. These perennially popular stories have been etched onto the hearts of millions of readers, and we are thrilled to partner with Netflix to bring those beloved characters on screen for families worldwide to enjoy.”
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