Netflix Picks Up ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’

Netflix has acquired the rights to adapt Lemony Snicket’s book series A Series of Unfortunate Events into a live-action series.

The project will be produced by Netflix, along with Paramount Television. Paramount made the 2004 film version of the book series, which starred Jim Carrey and grossed $209 million.

“I can’t believe it,” Snicket said in a statement from an “undisclosed location.” “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.” Snicket is the pen name for author Daniel Handler.

“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.” Cindy Holland, V.P. of original content for Netflix, stated. “We are proud to start work on a series for a global audience that already loves the books. The world created by Lemony Snicket is unique, darkly funny, and relatable. We can’t wait to bring it to life for Netflix members.”

Netflix added, “Mr. Snicket’s participation will be limited, given his emotional distress, but the project has the full involvement of his legal, literary and social representative Daniel Handler, who is often mistaken for him.”

A Series of Unfortunate Events consists of thirteen novels, which were released from 1999 to 2006. The series focuses on orphaned children Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire and the troubles they face from the evil Count Olaf. Over 65 million copies of books in the series have been sold.