It’s been a few months since Netflix acquired Roald Dahl’s story catalog, and their first project is already on its way. Wes Anderson is set to adapt the writer’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, with Benedict Cumberbatch eyed to play the lead role.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar was included in Dahl’s series of seven short stories and chronicled the adventures of a modern-day Robin Hood who brings joy to the hearts of orphans—and fear to the souls of casino owners around the world.
Deadline reported that the project is expected to consist of three mini-films, similar to the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. It’s unclear which stories will be included, but two of them will be autobiographical in nature and explore Dahl’s journey to becoming a writer and his experiences as a fighter pilot in World War II.
Deadline also reports that Benedict Cumberbatch will play Henry Sugar, while the rest of the cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, and Ben Kingsley. Production is expected to kick off next week in London, with the rest of the cast yet to be announced.
This won’t be Anderson’s first foray into the magical world of Dahl’s novels—he also directed Fantastic Mr. Fox in 2009.
