Netflix’s animated film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book The Twitjes is scheduled to hit the streaming service in 2025.
Phil Johnston, the Oscar-nominated helmer of Ralph disconnects the internet, is directing the project, with Katie Shanahan and Todd Demong serving as co-directors. Johnson, whose writing credits include Academy Award winner Zootopia, is also co-writing with Meg Favreau and producing with Maggie Malone. The animation is produced at Jellyfish Pictures.
This is one of several planned adaptations of Dahl’s stories for Netflix. Others include Wes Anderson’s live-action short The beautiful story of Henry Sugar and an animated retelling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in September 2021.
The Twitjes follows the annoying Mr. and Mrs. Twit, who also own and operate a disgusting and dangerous amusement park, Twitlandia. According to the announcement, when the Twits rise to power in their city, two brave orphans and a family of magical animals will be forced to become as troublesome as the Twits to save the city.
“The Twitjes was my favorite book when I was a kid,” Johnson said in a released statement. “I love the Twits and their terrible tricks. I love that they have no self-awareness, no personal hygiene, and no clue about human decency. And I love this movie because it reminds us that idiots like the Twits, whose default emotions are anger and revenge, are not allowed to win in our world.
Obviously these deals were made before the ongoing strikes and this film is covered by the Animation Guild contract.
