By now you've likely already watched at least one of the four shorts gleaned from Roald Dahl's literary world, retold through the symmetrical, pastel lens of Wes Anderson. This is not Anderson's first rodeo when it comes to a Roald Dahl adaptation, but it is the first live-action since Fantastic Mr. Fox was an animated take.
“I like the idea, right off the bat, of having a little company play the whole film,” the director told Netflix early this year. The release of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison spanned the last week of September, keenly featuring different combinations of six key recurring actors. And perhaps you're wondering where you recognise some of these faces from. Successful thespians in their own right, here are some of their most notable work across film and TV that you may have come across. Or, if you've not had these titles on your watchlist, where to see more of their performances.
Playing the almost fourth wall-breaking narrator across the series as Roald Dahl himself, Fiennes also repeats in minor roles as the policeman (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar) and rat man (The Rat Catcher). His collaboration with Anderson began from The Grand Budapest Hotel as concierge Gustave.
The Menu, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter franchise, Kingsman franchise, James Bond franchise
The titular Henry Sugar also rotates as makeup artist Max Engelman within the same film, and Harry Pope (Poison).
Doctor Strange, Sherlock, The Imitation Game, The Power of the Dog, Patrick Melrose
Is it me or is it always a delight to see Sir Ben Kingsley appear on screen? He plays the intriguing Imdad Khan, the casino croupier (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), as well as Dr. Ganderbai (Poison).
Ghandi, Schindler’s List, Iron Man 3, Sexy Beast, Shutter Island
Rotating between Dr. Chatterjee and financial manager John Winston (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), Patel is perhaps the chattiest as Woods (Poison).
The Green Knight, Lion, Slumdog Millionaire, Hotel Mumbai, Chappie
The main narrator in the haunting true story-inspired tale (The Swan) alongside Asa Jennings, and well, Claud (The Rat Catcher).
Asteroid City, Hitman: Agent 47, Homeland, Pride and Prejudice
You first catch Ayoade as Dr. Marshall, but later heavily disguised as the mysterious yogi (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), and once again as the reporter (The Rat Catcher).
The IT Crowd, Gadget Man, Travel Man
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison are now showing on Netflix.
