If you’ve been itching for a new adaptation of Lemony Snickets’ A Series of Unfortunate Events since Jim Carrey first graced the big screen to play the lead character in the flick a decade ago, then you may be pleased to know that Netflix will be adapting the story, which is based on the popular series of 13 books, into a TV show that will be available through its popular streaming service, according to Deadline.
Netflix is no stranger to original content – many of its original series, including House of Cards and Orange is the New Black – have been tremendously successful, even raking in prestigious awards right alongside the big network programs, and keeping specialty channels like HBO on their toes.
Though no details have been disclosed as to how the Series of Unfortunate Events will be approached, nor who will direct it, it’s clear that Netflix has some sneaky tricks up its sleeve, pun intended. And one thing we can bet on, in true Netflix style, is that the entire series will likely be released at once to satisfy our binge-watching needs.
If you’re unfamiliar with the series storyline, Series of Unfortunate Events is a rather dark tale about a trio of orphaned kids who are set to inherit a fortune, and the evil Count Olaf (played by veteran funny villain Carrey in the movie adaptation) who will go to great lengths to steal it from them. In the spirit of the story, the author Daniel Handler commented: “After years of providing top-quality entertainment on demand, Netflix is risking its reputation and its success by associating itself with my dismaying and upsetting books.”
This initiative would just be one more in a number of moves by Netflix to ramp up its family-friendly content offerings. Recent additions include library films like Annie (‘80s) and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (‘00s).
It’s a series of quite fortunate events for kids, indeed.
