Oompa Loompa doompety doo, Netflix has a reality competition series for you: Wonka’s The Golden Ticket is premiering this fall.
Just like Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe in Roald Dahl’s original 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 12 lucky golden ticket winners, each with a partner of their choosing, will step through the gates of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
Once inside, delicious mischief awaits, as the players must navigate a series of Wonka’s temptations and challenges, which are designed to push them physically, mentally, and morally. Veruca Salt’s “I want it now!” energy may come in handy — or it may lead to disastrous consequences. Players will journey through the factory’s wondrous and unpredictable landscape, while proving they have the instincts, resilience, and character to thrive in chaos. And, yes, they might even bump into an Oompa Loompa or two.
In the end, only one contestant will earn Wonka’s life-changing prize in this high-stakes social experiment inspired by one of the most iconic worlds in cinematic history. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, including the series launch date and a first look at the factory.
Patience, patience, little dear: Wonka’s The Golden Ticket will premiere on Sept. 23, with a two-part finale on Sept. 30.
Wonka’s The Golden Ticket is based on Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and also pays tribute to the classic 1971 film. The reality competition series will feature the re-created voice of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka — with the consent of Mr. Wilder’s estate — honoring the legendary performance that has enchanted generations.
"More than five decades after Gene brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance,” said Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder’s wife, on behalf of the Gene Wilder Estate. “Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations. We are delighted that Wonka’s The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to the role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honoring the fans who have cherished it for decades.”
The series will also welcome Rusty Goffe back to the chocolate factory. Goffe, who appeared in the 1971 film, will reprise his role as an Oompa Loompa.
Wonka’s The Golden Ticket offers an updated version of Wonkavision, the pristine broadcast studio where Mike Teevee got a lesson in being too addicted to the tube. Appearing here as Wonkavision 2.0, it is a setting where competitors go to play various game show challenges.
“Wheel of Misfortune,” “Bubble Jeopardy,” and “Steal or no Steal” are among the high-stakes games played in the updated version of the famed all-white Wonka TV studio from the 1971 film. They are hosted by a trio of men — appearing via hologram — who know a little something about gamesmanship: Howie Mandel (Deal or No Deal, America’s Got Talent), Nick Cannon (The Masked Singer, America’s Got Talent), and Wayne Brady (Let’s Make a Deal, Don’t Forget the Lyrics!).
The production hired Australian magician and magic consultant Adam Mada to help design to make the contestants “disappear” as they are “transported” between sets during the Wonkavision 2.0 segments. “It is a beautiful illusion which uses no camera tricks at all, no post and no editing,” says Mada. "And it works as well as it does for the camera as it does for the real live contestants inside the set. They actually watch the contestants fade and disappear in front of their eyes.”
Nick Cannon
Wayne Brady
Howie Mandel
Scroll up to the top of the page to get a glimpse of the wonder that awaits behind Wonka’s factory gates.
Following the release of Matilda the Musical, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, and The Twits, Wonka’s The Golden Ticket is the latest Roald Dahl project from Netflix. The Roald Dahl Story Company joined forces with Netflix in 2021 to bring stories from the author’s treasured universe to fans around the world. Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, an animated feature with the voices of Kit Connor and Taika Waititi, is also being whipped up for a 2027 release.
Check back soon for more updates as we get closer to the launch of Wonka’s The Golden Ticket.
