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Nicola Coughlan is filming a dark new Roald Dahl series for Netflix

Published 13:13 25 Aug 2026 BST

Updated 13:13 25 Aug 2026 BST

Christian Buschardt
Nicola Coughlan is filming a dark new Roald Dahl series for Netflix

Homemovies & tv

Irish actor cast in new Netflix adaptation

Nicola Coughlan has been cast in Netflix's new live-action Roald Dahl series, with cameras now rolling in the UK.

What's on Netflix reported that the show, titled or codenamed Zoltar, will adapt Dahl's famously dark and twisty short story collection Tales of the Unexpected.

Production is said to have begun in Manchester on Monday.

What the set photos tell us about Nicola Coughlan's role

The Derry Girls and Bridgerton star, as well as Then Barbara Met Alan actor Arthur Hughes, are confirmed to feature in the adaptation.

Photos taken on the set show Coughlan is front and centre, sporting a prominent baby bump and carrying a large floral duffel bag.

The set takes place in a chaotic-looking scene involving a barking black German Shepherd police dog on the steps of a police station.

Hughes is pictured outside the same station in a rumpled brown suit, looking every inch the weary detective.

The casting also ties up a loose end for Irish viewers.

Coughlan had previously said she had a significantly smaller role in Bridgerton season five, a gap in her schedule that now looks a good deal less mysterious.

Where Irish viewers can watch it

Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, giving it access to the author's entire catalogue. 

Most of what has followed has been animated, including The Twits and the upcoming Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory.

Wes Anderson's 2023 short film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, was one of the last Roald Dahl live-action adaptations.

Zoltar is a rarer live-action swing, and it will stream on Netflix in Ireland when it lands, though no release date is confirmed.

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