**David Byrne and Hayley Williams Create Original Music for Upcoming Netflix Adaptation of ‘The Twits’**
Fans of Roald Dahl and music aficionados alike have reason to celebrate, as two acclaimed musicians, David Byrne and Hayley Williams, have joined forces to write original songs for Netflix’s forthcoming animated film, ‘The Twits’. This cinematic reimagining draws inspiration from Dahl’s beloved children’s book, promising a fresh take on the infamous characters of Mr and Mrs Twit.
The film, due to debut globally on Netflix this October, will boast a trio of brand new songs composed and produced by Byrne, who rose to fame as the frontman of Talking Heads. The songs, titled ‘We’re Not Like Ev’ryone Else’, ‘Lullaby’, and ‘The Problem Is You’, will be performed by the film’s ensemble cast. In a particularly exciting collaboration, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, celebrated for hit tracks like ‘Still Into You’, worked with Byrne on the end credits song, ‘Open The Door’, both co-writing and performing.
Reflecting on the chance to contribute to the project, Byrne, now 73, expressed his delight at immersing himself in Dahl’s world. “This was a fun project. Like other Roald Dahl books, this one centres around deliciously dreadful characters,” he noted. Byrne alluded to the universal appeal of Dahl’s mischievous tales, suggesting, “Kids (and adults) love that they can vicariously imagine their own worst impulses played out, harmlessly, in a punky, fun story.”
Hayley Williams, 36, shared her own enthusiasm, admitting that being involved with ‘The Twits’ adaptation felt like a surreal experience. “My favourite Roald Dahl book growing up was The Twits,” she confessed. Williams spoke fondly of the story’s themes, calling it “a cautionary tale” and praising its depiction of found family and community—motifs she’s long cherished in her own creative work. “I owe David Byrne for pulling me into the music for this. It was so fun and so surreal starting a song from scratch with him,” she said.
The film introduces audiences to Jim and Credenza Twit, portrayed as the world’s most foul and mean-spirited couple, proprietors of a revolting amusement park called Twitlandia. As the Twits tighten their grip over their unsuspecting town, two daring children and a family of magical Muggle-Wumps must outwit the duo to protect their city.
Adding further star power, the voice cast features comedian Johnny Vegas and acclaimed actress Margo Martindale as the titular Twits. Emilia Clarke, famed for her role in ‘Game of Thrones’, lends her voice to the character of Pippa, whilst Oscar-winner Natalie Portman brings Mary Muggle Wump to life. Supporting roles include Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Ryan Lopez, Timothy Simons, and Jason Mantzoukas, promising both UK and international talent.
At the film’s helm is director and screenwriter Phil Johnston, recognised for his work on animated hits such as ‘Zootopia’ and ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’. Johnston spoke candidly about his admiration for Byrne, explaining, “From the first demo he sent me, on which the featured instrument was a 100-year-old banjolele, I knew I was going to love the songs he wrote.” He described his collaboration with both Byrne and Williams as a “dream come true”, stating, “The saying ‘never meet your heroes’ simply does not apply here. I met two of them, and it’s been a dream come true.”
Netflix’s adaptation comes amid a wave of renewed interest in Dahl’s stories, following previous successful adaptations. With a blend of dark humour and musical flair, the streamer’s new venture aims to introduce Dahl’s sharp wit to a new generation.
‘The Twits’ will be available to stream on Netflix from 17 October, offering family audiences a blend of quirky humour, catchy music, and a star-studded voice cast. For those who cherish both Roald Dahl’s heritage and innovative artistry in music, this promises to be one of the year’s unmissable releases.