In a major announcement for animation and literary fans, Netflix has officially slated its new feature, Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, for a global release in 2027. This project marks a bold, new animated chapter in the beloved universe originally created by Roald Dahl.
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Classic
Rather than a direct retelling, Netflix is framing the film as a dynamic reimagination and continuation of the story following the infamous Golden Ticket contest. The streamer has assembled an all-star creative team to bring this vision to life. The directing duo consists of Jared Stern (co-writer of The LEGO Batman Movie) and Elaine Bogan (known for Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia and Spirit Untamed). The animation will be handled by the acclaimed Sony Pictures Imageworks, the studio behind the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Hannah Minghella, Head of Netflix Animation Studios’ Feature Animation and Family Films, expressed strong confidence in the project, stating, “With their singular comedic and visual flair, Jared and Elaine have concocted a delightful adventure that remains true to the spirit of Dahl’s beloved novel.”
A Stellar Voice Cast Brings the Conflict to Life
Heading the voice cast are two acclaimed actors from both television and film. Oscar winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) will step into the eccentric shoes of the legendary chocolatier, Willy Wonka. Waititi described the role as a significant personal milestone, calling it “hugely exciting” to voice “such an iconic, eccentric candy genius — if a little mischievous at times.”
Opposing him is Emmy winner Kit Connor (Heartstopper), who voices the new protagonist, Charlie Paley—a character described as one of a new generation of “rotten” kids. Connor has praised the film’s unique aesthetic, noting, “It’s such a fun representation of the London that I know,” and emphasizing that it captures “the spirit and heart that made the original story so special.”
The Plot: A Heist in the Candy Factory
Netflix has revealed an intriguing plot setup that flips the original narrative. The story begins with Willy Wonka returning from a mysterious imprisonment, determined to restore his factory to its former glory. His plans are thwarted by a group of teenage adversaries, led by Charlie Paley, who plot to break into the factory to steal a priceless Wonka Bar to save their homes from eviction.
The directors promise a wild ride, jointly stating that the film will be “more deliciously unhinged than your wildest imagination.” Waititi added, “Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy.”
Netflix’s Expanding Dahlian Dominion
Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory is a cornerstone of Netflix’s ambitious strategy for the Roald Dahl Story Company, which it acquired in 2021. It will be the first animated feature adaptation of the original novel and joins a growing portfolio of Dahl content. This includes Wes Anderson’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023) and the upcoming The Twits (2025). Furthermore, a reality competition series set in the Wonka universe, The Golden Ticket, is scheduled for 2026.
This move signals Netflix’s significant investment in recognizable intellectual property within the competitive animation space, promising audiences a fresh and thrillingly chaotic journey back to a world of pure imagination.
