The newest Willy Wonka project that’s coming your way isn’t a movie musical. Wonka’s Golden Ticket is a competition reality series from Netflix based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which follows a boy named Charlie Bucket and his grandpa as they, along with 11 other contestants, gain entry to Willy Wonka’s famed Chocolate Factory. The streamer released a teaser trailer on Tuesday, timed to the 55th anniversary of the classic movie.
Listen closely, and you’ll hear a recognizable voice from the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Wonka’s Golden Ticket has used AI to recreate the voice of actor Gene Wilder, whose career-defining performance as the mysterious candy magnate in the 1971 film remains an iconic and quintessential portrayal of the character. Wilder’s voice was brought to life with AI company ElevenLabs with the consent of Mr. Wilder’s estate.
“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,” Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder’s wife, said 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.”
Wonka’s Golden Ticket, Netflix’s latest Roald Dahl-inspired project following its 2021 purchase of the Roald Dahl Story Company, will follow 12 golden ticket winners (and their chosen partners) as they explore elaborate sets and take on a variety of challenges inspired by Dahl’s book. There can be only one winner, and the prize, Netflix says in a statement, will be “life-changing.”
Actor Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa Loompa in the 1971 movie, will reprise that role — orange skin, green hair and all — when Wonka’s Golden Ticket premieres on Sept. 23 on Netflix.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
