Netflix teases twisted Wonka film

Netflix is turning Roald Dahl’s candy empire into a new animated movie, with Taika Waititi voicing Willy Wonka and Kit Connor voicing Charlie in “Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory.” (netflix.com) Netflix said the film is set in modern-day London and will debut in 2027. Jared Stern and Elaine Bogan are directing, and Sony Pictures Imageworks is producing the animation. (netflix.com) The setup moves past the original book: Netflix’s logline says Wonka returns to his factory years after the famous contest, while “a new wave of ‘rotten’ kids” tries to steal a prized chocolate bar. Netflix’s official title page lists the film as a comedy with action-adventure and heist elements. (netflix.com) Trade outlets reported a darker plot description than the official teaser, saying Wonka has been released from prison and Charlie is recast as a London teenager named Charlie Paley. Variety and Deadline both described the project as a contemporary reimagining rather than a straight adaptation of Dahl’s novel. (variety.com) (deadline.com) The movie extends Netflix’s push into Roald Dahl after the company bought the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. That deal gave Netflix control of characters and worlds including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and The BFG for new film, television and publishing projects. (netflix.com) (reuters.com) Waititi has been attached to Netflix’s Dahl plans for years. In March 2020, Netflix said he would write, direct and executive produce two animated Dahl projects, including one based on the world and characters of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (about.netflix.com) The new film also arrives after Warner Bros.’ 2023 live-action “Wonka,” which starred Timothée Chalamet in an origin story for the chocolatier. Netflix’s version skips the prequel route and instead pushes the story forward beyond Dahl’s original ending. (boxofficemojo.com) (hollywoodreporter.com) Connor comes in after “Heartstopper” and “The Wild Robot,” while Waititi adds another franchise role after “Thor” and “Our Flag Means Death.” Netflix released first-look images on April 16, 2026, but has not announced a specific release date beyond 2027. (netflix.com) (imdb.com 1) (imdb.com 2) For now, Netflix is selling the factory as less whimsical and more combative: Charlie is no longer just the good kid who wins the tour, and Wonka is no longer only the man handing out golden tickets. (netflix.com) (deadline.com)