Netflix inks deal with Penguin Random House for Brian Jacques’ Redwall book series

Netflix and Penguin Random House Children’s UK have signed a new partnership for Brian Jacques’ Redwall books, as the streaming giant details new plans to develop an animated feature based on the first book in the series.

Netflix has tapped writer Patrick McHale – known for his work on Over the Garden Wall and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, to pen the first animated feature. Netflix is also planning an event series based on the character of Martin the Warrior.

This will be the first feature based on Jacques’ book series, which chronicles the adventures of heroic animals that inhabit the forest haven of Redwall Abbey. The titles have sold roughly 30 million copies and been translated into more than 20 languages.

“We couldn’t be more delighted to announce this deal,” said Ben Horslen, fiction publisher, Penguin Random House Children’s. “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.”

Alan Ingram, representative of The Redwall Abbey Company, owner of the Jacques intellectual property, added: “Brian often travelled the globe to tell his Redwall stories to young audiences, more often than not at their schools.

“Brian would have been very happy to see that Netflix shares his joy and desire to bring his stories to life as a new universe of films, series and potentially much more for audiences of all ages to enjoy. We are very excited to embark on this new endeavour with Netflix and Penguin Random House UK.”