Netflix has announced a new animated feature titled Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory. The film lands on the platform on December 22, 2027, following a brief theatrical run that begins on November 5. Taika Waititi stars as Willy Wonka, a role he describes as a unique opportunity to portray an eccentric candy genius.
The plot takes place years after the original Golden Ticket contest. Wonka is fresh out of prison for turning a child into a blueberry and is intent on spreading sweetness, but he faces opposition from a new group of children led by Charlie Paley. The cast features notable actors including Kit Connor, Kate Winslet, and Helena Bonham Carter.
Directors Jared Stern and Elaine Bogan aim to blend original songs with the established tone of Roald Dahl’s work. The project also signals a shift in strategy for Netflix regarding theatrical releases, as the company is granting this film a wider window than it has provided for other high-profile projects in the past. Waititi is also an executive producer on the production.
This animated venture appears to replace previously rumored projects that Netflix had in development with Waititi starting in 2020. With a star-studded cast and a clear release schedule, the project is a significant addition to the company's expanding library of content based on the works of Roald Dahl.