Netflix has picked up the rights to Brian Jacques’ popular Redwall children’s fantasy books. This comes after a deal was made between the streaming service and Penguin Random House Children. While there is still no confirmation of how Netflix will adapt the books, it is said that they will produce both a feature movie and a TV series.
Confirmed by Variety, the Netflix deal marks the first time a network has acquired the rights to the entire Redwall books. The series, featuring anthropomorphic animals, sees them embark on various adventures within a medieval world. There are 22 books in total. While intended for children, it still contains excellent worldbuilding associated with the modern genre. If there were an A Song of Ice and Fire for kids, this would undoubtedly be it.
Furthermore, Netflix has Patrick McHale’s expertise (Over the Garden Wall) to pen the script for a feature film. There is also a TV series in the works following the character Martin the Warrior. The Redwall books have previously been adapted into a TV series in the form of an animated show in 1999. It was trendy among fans, too.
Netflix Adapting ‘Redwall’ Books Into Animated Movies, TV Series https://t.co/83et0bTqrP
— Variety (@Variety) February 10, 2021
Penguin representative Ben Horslen weighed in on the exciting deal:
“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.”
Besides the books, gamers might be familiar with the popular video game adaptation, The Lost Legends of Redwall from Soma Games. A series of six adventure games, it ultimately failed to capture the imagination as much as the books.
Redwall can be added to the growing number of children’s fantasy franchises Netflix has the rights to. They even hold the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia!
Could the Netflix series capture the magic of the books? Let me know in the comments below!