Ava DuVernay Is Making A ‘Matilda’ Animated Series For Netflix, But Just Fired Her Showrunner

Back in 2021, it was announced that streaming giant Netflix had acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in the wake of a whole bunch of projects based on the author’s beloved stories going into development. Among these projects are a series based on the world of “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” from Taika Waititi, and Wes Anderson‘s new anthology project based on the short story collection “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar & Six More,” with actor Benedict Cumberbatch (“Power of The Dog“) attached.

It has been revealed that a “Matilda” animated series is in the works at the streamer from Ava DuVernay (“DMZ,” “Naomi“) according to a Puck News newsletter that included details about the show.

“The animated series will follow a grown-up Matilda and an 8-year-old, gifted Black girl who travel the world, ‘X-Men’ style, and recruit other special kids for their boarding school.”

READ MORE: Wes Anderson’s Roald Dahl Anthology Film Will Also Star Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel & Ben Kingsley

However, the shake-up behind the scenes is the item’s main focus as the unnamed white female showrunner was fired over not being attuned to “cultural sensitivities” after clashing with the diverse group of writers they had hired. The showrunner reportedly assumed certain writers would be tackling characters that mirrored their own background instead of writing for “all characters.” Also, the show’s pilot, which was, mind you, co-written with DuVernay, allegedly had “white savior” undertones with “a British woman and her black sidekick plucking diverse kids out of their home countries to help them develop their skills.”  

The showrunner was ultimately removed from the project by DuVernay’s Array FilmWorks despite a Netflix investigation not coming up with fireable evidence and the show is now seeking a new overseer.

If you’re unaware of the original novel here is the synopsis from the author’s official website:

Matilda Wormwood is only five years old, but she is a genius. Unfortunately, her parents are too stupid to even notice. Worse, her horrible headmistress Miss Trunchbull is a bully who makes life difficult for Matilda’s teacher, Miss Honey, and her friends. But what Miss Trunchbull doesn’t know is that Matilda has a trick or two up her sleeve…

Published in 1988, the Dahl book became so popular that it eventually was turned into a live-action feature film directed by Danny DeVito (“Hoffa“) that was released back in 1996 with a cast that consisted of DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Pam Ferris, and Mara Wilson as the beloved Matilda Wormwood. Another live-action incarnation is also happening at the same time for Netflix, but the new film is based on the Tony-winning musical and is directed by Matthew Warchus. The Netflix project has a high-profile cast featuring Emma Thompson, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Lashana Lynch, and young actress Alisha Weir.

Other recent Dahl projects include the “Wonka” prequel at Warners starring Timothee Chalamet, and Robert Zemeckis‘ remake of “The Witches” for the same studio that didn’t exactly make a splash with audiences.