FIRST LOOK at Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory movie starring Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka

May 13th, 2026 by Marc Comments

Netflix are bringing us a colourful sequel to a timeless classic with new animated movie Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory.

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory is being whipped up for a 2027 release — and this time the animated feature will serve up a delicious twist on everything you thought you knew about the world of Wonka.

In this bold adventure set in modern-day London, Emmy-winner Kit Connor (Warfare, Rocketman, Heartstopper) voices Charlie Paley, a brand-new character stepping into the spotlight, while Oscar-winner Taika Waititi (Klara and the Sun, Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Love and Thunder) lends his voice to the legendary confectioner himself.

Connor says, “I’m so excited to enter the wonderful world of Wonka. I was immediately caught by the early concept art and the directors’ vision for the film — capturing the spirit and heart that made the original story so special, whilst imbuing it with something so fresh and unique. It’s such a fun representation of the London that I know. This new adventure is going to surprise audiences around the world. You’re in for a treat!”


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Willy Wonka (Waititi) has spent the years since the Golden Ticket contest behind bars (not the chocolate kind) for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry. Having served his time, Wonka returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world. But one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley (Connor) and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of “rotten” kids plot to break into the factory, nab a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, these kids are in for a bit more than they can chew…

Directed by Jared Stern (The LEGO Batman Movie, Green Eggs and Ham) and Elaine Bogan (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Spirit Untamed), the film promises an imaginative new take on the beloved universe, powered by the animation artistry of Sony Pictures Imageworks, the studio behind Oscar-winners Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and KPop Demon Hunters.” Academy-Award winner Aron Warner (Shrek) and Timothy Yoo (Back to the Outback, Green Eggs and Ham) are producing, and Waititi is an executive producer.

​​”Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy, and I’m thrilled to play my part in bringing Willy Wonka to life in animated form,” Waititi says. “He is so special to me, and the opportunity to voice such an iconic, eccentric candy genius — if a little mischievous at times — is hugely exciting.”


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Expect original songs, new characters, and even a few familiar faces, all wrapped in the signature British charm of Roald Dahl’s iconic world. “Having been raised on the delightfully twisted world of Willy Wonka, it’s a privilege to bring his continued adventures to life as twisted adults,” Stern and Bogan say. “And how sweet to do it like never before via the magic of animation, creating a Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory that’s more deliciously unhinged than your wildest imagination. If we do a rotten job, you can throw us down a rubbish chute!”

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory marks the latest expansion of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory universe, following Netflix’s acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. The reality competition The Golden Ticket will air later in 2026.

“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 while imagining a brand new story that introduces this world to a new generation,” says Hannah Minghella, Head of Feature Animation and Family Film at Netflix Animation Studios. “We can’t wait for audiences around the world to experience the magic and mayhem for themselves when the film comes out next year.”

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory will stream in 2027, only on Netflix.


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Marc is a self-confessed nerd. Ever since seeing Star Wars for the first time around 1979 he’s been an unapologetic fan of the Wars and still believes, with Clone Wars and now Underworld, we are yet to see the best Star Wars. He’s a dad of two who now doesn’t have the time (or money) to collect the amount of toys, comics, movies and books he once did, much to the relief of his long-suffering wife. In the real world he’s a graphic designer. He started Following the Nerd because he was tired of searching a million sites every day for all the best news that he loves and decided to create one place where you can go to get the whole lot. Secretly he longs to be sitting in the cockpit of his YT-1300 Corellian Transport ship with his co-pilot Chewie, roaming the universe, waiting for his next big adventure, but feels just at home watching cartoons with his kids….