Netflix announced a new Netflix original series based on Sir Salman Rushdie’s book Midnight’s Children. The series will be available exclusively to more than 125 million Netflix members in 190 countries around the world.
Midnight’s Children won the 1981 Booker Prize, the Best of the Booker twice — both in 1993 and 2008, and the James Tait Memorial Prize. Sir Salman Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for services to literature.
“Midnight’s Children is one of the great novels of the world, and its themes are still relevant to the India of today,” said Erik Barmack, VP, international originals, Netflix, in a statement. “The narrative continues to fascinate audiences decades after it was first published. We are incredibly excited to translate this pioneering work of fiction that parallels the birth of modern India, for a global audience. The rich experience and talent of Indian creators combined with the global reach of Netflix, have the potential for millions of more people around the world to rediscover this story.”
“I am absolutely delighted that Midnight’s Children will have a new life on Netflix, and greatly look forward to working with them to help create it,” Rushdie said in a statement.
Midnight’s Children follows the life of Saleem Sinai, born on the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the time of India’s independence. His every act is mirrored and magnified in events that sway the course of India’s national affairs. Telepathic powers also link him with India’s 1,000 other “midnight’s children,” all born in that initial hour and endowed with magical gifts.