After over a decade since the theatrical release of Fantastic Mr. Fox, it looks like Wes Anderson has found his next Roald Dahl adaptation in the form of a Netflix film. According to Daily Mail’s Baz Bamigboye, the Oscar-winning filmmaker has reportedly signed on to direct the first film adaptation of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, based on one of the seven short stories from Dahl’s 1977 novella.
He also went on to reveal that Emmy winner Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog) has boarded the project to portray the titular role of a wealthy man who likes gambling. Production will reportedly start soon in London.
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The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar was inspired by the real-life Pakistani mystic Kuda Bux, who claimed to be able to see without his eyes. It is described as a tale with many stories within, which follows the character of the titular wealthy man, Dr. John Cartwright, and Imhrat Khan.
Pick a copy of the novella here!
The film adaptation marks Anderson’s first collaboration with Cumberbatch and Netflix. The acclaimed filmmaker recently wrapped up production for his next ensemble project titled Asteroid City, which will star Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson.
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Netflix is also currently adapting Dahl’s Matilda into a new musical film, which will be led by Lashana Lynch, Emma Thompson, and Alisha Weir. They’ve also announced several animated projects based on Dahl’s iconic stories following the streamer’s partnership with The Roald Dahl Story Company in 2018.
