Lord of the Flies TV series heads to Netflix after major U.S. deal

Netflix has acquired the U.S. rights to the upcoming Lord of the Flies television series, marking a major expansion for the highly anticipated adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel. 

The deal was announced by Sony Pictures Television as the series prepares to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, signaling strong international interest ahead of its wider rollout.

The four-episode drama launched in the United Kingdom on February 8 via the BBC and has already secured distribution across multiple global territories, including Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The growing list of international buyers highlights the industry’s confidence in the project and its global appeal.

Created by Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne, the series delivers a contemporary interpretation of Golding’s iconic story about a group of boys stranded on a remote tropical island after a disaster. Forced to fend for themselves, the children attempt to establish order but gradually descend into chaos, exploring themes of survival, leadership, and human nature.

The cast is led by Lox Pratt, who is also set to portray Draco Malfoy in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. He is joined by newcomers Winston Sawyers, David McKenna, Ike Talbut, and Thomas Connor. According to Sony Pictures Television executives, Thorne’s adaptation combines cinematic storytelling with an immersive score, helping distinguish it from previous film versions.

Thorne previously found major success with Adolescence, which earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards, strengthening expectations for his latest project.

As streaming platforms continue investing in recognizable intellectual property, Netflix’s acquisition positions Lord of the Flies as a notable addition to its drama lineup, with anticipation building ahead of its U.S. debut.