Remember when Willy Wonka’s wildly unsafe factory resulted in many kids being maimed during a tour? Netflix does, and it’s turning that child endangerment into a sequel. Its upcoming Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory animated film, starring Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka, will see what happens after the infamous chocolatier gets out of prison for his past crimes. And while that premise might sound like a Mike Teeavee-esque stretch, the first image from the film is absolutely delectable.
In addition to Kit Connor as Charlie Paley and Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka, Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory has added some MAJOR names, including Nicola Coughlan, Charithra Chandran, Samson Kayo, Christopher Chung, Kate Winslet, and Helena Bonham Carter.
Netflix also announced some WILD news. Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory will have one LONG theatrical release. Netflix reveals the Willy Wonka movie will have a 47-day exclusive theatrical window for the movie. Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory will release in theaters on November 5, 2027, and arrive on streaming on Netflix on December 22.
Also of note, Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory is not another remake. This is a sequel to Roald Dahl’s story. Tudum provided an official synopsis for the film, which also stars Heartstopper‘s Kit Connor as Charlie Paley. From Netflix:
Willy Wonka 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 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…
Oh, okay. More child endangerment. That’s great.* Clearly this film will honor the original’s ethos.
The film comes from directors Jared Stern (The LEGO Batman Movie) and Elaine Bogan (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Spirit Untamed). If this image feels familiar that’s because Sony Pictures Imageworks ( Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, KPop Demon Hunters) is handling the animation. Decent track record. DECENT.
“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,” said Waititi in a statement. “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.”
Getting to see Willy Wonka teach a bunch of brats an important lesson is always fun. Watching him do it in animation this good will only make it better.
*Joke
Originally published on April 17, 2026.
