Netflix unveils trailer for Willy Wonka reality competition series

Netflix has released a trailer for its upcoming reality competition series, ‘Wonka’s The Golden Ticket’, based on Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. The nine-episode unscripted show is scheduled to premiere on September 23, 2026.

Contestants will navigate a recreation of the iconic chocolate factory, participating in physical and mental challenges to compete for a life-changing prize. The series features Oompa Loompas guiding participants through various games and tests.

The production has drawn attention for its use of an AI-recreated voice of the late actor Gene Wilder, who played Willy Wonka in the 1971 film. Netflix collaborated with AI audio company ElevenLabs to produce the voice, having obtained consent from Wilder’s estate. While the use of AI has sparked controversy and debate regarding its nature, Gene Wilder’s wife, Karen B. Wilder, issued a statement expressing delight that the project celebrates the warmth and imagination he brought to the role.