There’s an adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children that’s in the works at Netflix (not the same as the movie that came out in 2012). Here’s what we know:
What’s it about? What’s the plot?
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie tells the story of Saleem Sinai, a boy who is born at midnight on August 15, 1947, exact day and time of India’s independence from Britain. As we grows up, his life and actions mirror that of the country as a whole, and he finds that he has telepathic powers that link him to the 1,000 other children born that day.
Midnight’s Children was released in May 1981 and is considered by the Modern Library to be one of the 100 best novels of all time. It won both Booker Prize and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1981. It also was awarded the Booker of Bookers Prize twice, in 1993 and 2008. Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for his contributions to literature.
What format will it be? Will the Midnight’s Children adaptation be a Movie or a Series?
It’s planned as a limited series on Netflix.
Who’s behind it?
Netflix ordered the adaptation of Midnight’s Children into episodic form to be aired on its streaming platform in June 2018. Vishal Bhardwaj, an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, will serve as showrunner and executive producer on Midnight’s Children.
From Netflix regarding the adaptation:
“The scope and scale of Midnight’s Children can only be translated by a creator with an expansive vision, depth of storytelling, and a nuanced knowledge of bringing characters to life. We couldn’t have imagined anyone other than Vishal Bhardwaj as the showrunner on this series and are honoured that he will steer the project.”
From showrunner Vishal Bhardawaj:
“The opportunity to translate one of the greatest works of literature in a medium that is accessible to millions of people around the world is incredible, and I’m delighted to partner with Netflix in bringing Midnight’s Children to life on screen. I’m confident that taking this quintessentially Indian epic that transcends generations and genres, combined with the production values and creative freedom that Netflix offers, will contribute to an unforgettable series that is Indian at heart and global in reach.”
Midnight’s Children was previous adapted into an independent film of the same name in 2012. Rushdie wrote the screenplay for that film and narrates it as well.
What’s the status of the Midnight’s Children adaptation?
The adaptation is currently in pre-production.
Who’s in the cast?
No casting details have been released yet.
When will it be released?
Currently unknown.
Is there a trailer or teaser available?
Not yet! Stay tuned.
Midnight’s Children Movie / Series Development Timeline
May 23, 1981 Midnight’s Children (novel) is published.
December 26, 2012 An independent movie version of Midnight’s Children is released.
June 28, 2018 Netflix orders an adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children.
November 27, 2018 Vishal Bhardwaj is brought on as showrunner for Netflix’s Mightnight’s Children adaptation.
I hope it is good when it get released.