Wes Anderson’s newest film, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s short tale collection The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, has landed Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley on board.
Anderson created the script and is directing the adaptation, which begins filming in the United Kingdom this month. The project is the first to be cancelled since Netflix bought the Roald Dahl Story Company in a blockbuster deal in the fall of 2021, giving the streaming service the rights to the author’s complete repertoire. Although it is unknown how long Anderson has been working on the project, he is a fan of the author’s work, having previously adapted Fantastic Mr. Fox into a stop-motion picture in 2009.
Netflix said in September that it intends to create a world of Dahl-based projects spanning animation and real-action films and television, publishing, gaming, immersive experiences, live theatre, and consumer items after acquiring the entire Dahl tale collection. The streaming service already has a solid relationship with the Dahl estate and is presently working with Sony and Working Title on a Taika Waititi and Phil Johnston series based on the universe of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda the Musical adaptation.
Netflix has been tight-lipped about the castings
The book, which was first published in 1982, contains both fiction and nonfiction. Henry Sugar is the protagonist of the title storey, who steals a book that teaches him how to see through objects and foretell the future. This sets in motion a sequence of mishaps that include eluding Mafia thugs, collaborating with a Hollywood makeup artist to create new identities, and establishing orphanages all over the world.
While it is unknown what roles Patel, Fiennes, and Kingsley will portray, it is known that Cumberbatch will not only play Sugar but also serve as a connection between the many storylines by playing numerous characters.
The incredible team on board
Anderson is noted for employing a well-known cast of performers in his films. Although Fiennes appeared in Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, Cumberbatch, Patel, and Kingsley are all newbies to the director’s filmography.
Benedict Cumberbatch, also, has won an Emmy for his depiction of Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock) as well as portraying Smaug (in The Hobbit trilogy), The Grinch (in the 2018 cartoon picture), and Shere Khan (Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle).
Cumberbatch is now acting in the international smash movie Spider-Man: No Way Home and will reprise his role as the excellent Doctor Strange in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which will be released in May 2022. UTA represents him.
Patel has received plaudits for his performance in A24’s The Green Knight, which was released in July 2021. In the current Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Kingsley stole scenes.