Netflix Assembles Star-Studded Cast for Roald Dahl Adult Drama Series Filming in Manchester

Nicola Coughlan, Imelda Staunton and Dominic West are leading the cast of a new six-part adult drama series based on Roald Dahl's short stories, now filming in Manchester for Netflix.

The untitled series is written by Danny Brocklehurst, known for the Netflix hit Fool Me Once. It follows a young couple marooned in a faded seaside town who must navigate conmen, adulterers, murderous mothers and snake charmers as they try to escape before their own fate is sealed. Brocklehurst said the series brings Dahl characters like The Landlady, Mister Boggis and the mysterious Fingersmith to life in a contemporary setting (Deadline).

The cast runs deep. Joining Coughlan, Staunton and West are Naomi Scott, Josh Finan, Toby Jones, Carmen Ejogo, Christine Tremarco, Michael Socha and Clarke Peters. The series is directed by Runyararo Mapfumo and Ben Gregor.

Production comes from Orchid Pictures, the company founded by Suzanne Mackie, who produced The Crown for Netflix. Mackie executive produces alongside Brocklehurst and Gabriel Silver, with Sarah Lewis as series producer. Orchid Pictures is also currently making Peter Morgan's The Boys from Brazil for Netflix.

Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, giving it control over Dahl's literary estate. The Dahl catalogue has been a growing presence on the platform since. Alongside this drama, Netflix has greenlit The Golden Ticket, a competition series set in the world of Willy Wonka.

For fans of Dahl's darker work, this series leans into the side of his writing that was never really for children. The short stories — sharp, unsettling and frequently wicked — are the source material, not the beloved children's novels. A faded seaside town full of conmen and murderous mothers sits comfortably in that tradition.

A premiere date has not been announced. Filming is underway.