Filming is well underway for Netflix’s upcoming star-studded Roald Dahl series, currently filming under the working title of Zoltar, and we’ve got some brand new behind-the-scenes looks at the cast in action on location in the North of England.
As we previously reported back in August exclusively, Netflix is bringing a brand new serialized adaptation of Roald Dahl’s iconic adult short stories to our screens. Think Tales of the Unexpected, but with a fresh, modern, and delightfully twisted spin from writer and executive producer Danny Brocklehurst (Fool Me Once, Run Away).
The project was officially confirmed by Netflix just recently when they unveiled their massive UK slate at the Edinburgh TV Festival. Now, we’ve obtained some additional behind-the-scenes snaps of the sprawling ensemble cast hard at work, and it could reveal that the same cast will be across the full season, meaning that while it’s likely an anthology, season 1 will see the same characters throughout as one story and, presumably, future seasons adapting other stories.
As we previously covered, we’re expecting this to be adapting the short story: Lamb to the Slaughter, with Coughlan playing Mary Malony.
Netflix still won’t comment on the series’ makeup, however.
While the production’s home base is in Manchester, recent filming has seen crews and actors descend upon Station Square in the seaside town of Saltburn. This real-world location perfectly mirrors the series’ setting of a “faded seaside town.”
Here is the breakdown of the new behind-the-scenes images from the Saltburn set:
- Naomi Scott (Aladdin, Anatomy of a Scandal) is spotted filming what looks to be a frantic action sequence. Dressed in a striking green and orange padded jacket over a blue hoodie, Scott’s character is seen sprinting down the pavement past “The Railway Cafe.” Another shot shows the massive scale of the production taking over the town, with large lighting rigs, crew tents, and a red estate car parked on the street.
- Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls) and Toby Jones (The Pale Blue Eye, Detectorists) were also caught between takes. In a continuation of our very firstlook at Coughlan in character, she is sporting a massive prosthetic baby bump in a fitted ribbed red dress and a pink striped shirt. Standing next to her is Toby Jones in a classic grey tweed blazer, who seems to be enjoying a quick banana break between rolling.
- Michael Socha (The Gallows Pole, This Is England) was captured having a chat on set outside a café/bar location decorated with hanging floral baskets.
Furthermore, we’ve also got some older snaps, which haven’t been revealed yet, showing Carmen Ejogo (True Detective, Your Honor) was also seen arriving or hanging around the set, sporting a chic beige activewear set next to a silver Mini Cooper.
When will Zoltar wrap filming?
According to production listings seen by What’s on Netflix, cameras officially started rolling in mid-August 2026. The shoot, which is taking place across Manchester and the North of England, is currently scheduled to wrap production in mid-December 2026.
The highly anticipated 6-episode (60 minutes each) series comes from Orchid Pictures, with Suzanne Mackie (The Crown) and Gabriel Silver executive producing alongside Danny Brocklehurst. Directors Ben Gregor and Runyararo Mapfumo are taking the helm for the episodes, with Frank Lamm serving as Director of Photography.
For those who need a refresher, here is the official logline for the series:
“This series weaves a deliciously twisted tale made up of Roald Dahl’s iconic short stories for adult audiences. A young couple, marooned in a faded seaside town, must face con men, adulterers, murderous mothers, and snake charmers as they attempt to escape before their own fate is sealed.”
Alongside Scott, Coughlan, Jones, Socha, and Ejogo, the series boasts an absolutely stacked cast including Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Clarke Peters, Josh Finan, and Christine Tremarco.
Given the December 2026 wrap date, we don’t expect to see this one hitting our screens until at least mid-to-late 2027. To see what else is coming down the pike, be sure to bookmark our comprehensive guide to every new British Netflix series and movie coming in 2027 and beyond.
Are you excited for Netflix’s new take on Roald Dahl’s adult stories? Let us know in the comments below!
