‘A Series Of Unfortunate Events’ To Be Adapted By Netflix

Netflix continues to break new ground with a planned series of the beloved children’s novels A Series Of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. Following the success of series such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, the online provider is expanding its horizons and targeting younger audiences.

A report on Deadline indicates that the news of the adaptation comes on the heels of Netflix picking up the live-action comedy Richie Rich. In the past, the streaming company has focus on adult topics, but is recognizing that they also have millions of younger followers.

The plan is to adapt the best-selling novel as a live-action series and they are looking for a director to head the production, which will be produced in partnership with Paramount Pictures. This is the same studio that brought us the Jim Carey movie adaptation of A Series Of Unfortunate Events in 2004, grossing $209 million worldwide.

Lemony Snicket — which of course if a pseudonym for American author Daniel Handler — narrates the story of three orphan children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, who suffer cruelly at the hands of the villain, Count Olaf, as well as their evil uncle. Their goal is to find their fortune and uncover the events surrounding their parents’ deaths.

A Series Of Unfortunate Events series will have plenty of material to have a prolonged life, as there are 13 novels in total. The best-selling books have sold more than 65 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 43 languages.

Aside from a director, Netflix needs to find the cast to play those classic roles created by Lemony Snicket starting in 1998. Millions of kids (and adults) have read the tragicomic story of the Baudelaire children, who have to fend for themselves under the most heartbreaking situation. Cindy Holland, VP Original Content at Netflix, is very aware of what it means to bring to life A Series Of Unfortunate Events series.

“On the search for fantastic material that appeals to both parents and kids, the first stop for generations of readers is ‘A Series Of Unfortunate Events.’ The world created by Lemony Snicket is unique, darkly funny and relateable. We can’t wait to bring it to life for Netflix members.”

No word on whether Lemony Snicket himself will be involved with A Series Of Unfortunate Events series for Netflix. No timetable regarding filming was announced at this time.

[Image via Aina Albi]