The streaming platform has officially confirmed the production of an animated feature set in the universe created by Roald Dahl. The film, titled “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, features Kit Connor — known for “Heartstopper” — as the voice of Charlie Paley, while the award‑winning Taika Waititi lends his voice to the iconic Willy Wonka and serves as executive producer.
The concept is a modern retelling that transports the story to contemporary London, introducing new characters and an original soundtrack. In the new plot, Wonka serves time after turning a child into a blueberry and, upon leaving prison, decides to revitalize his factory to bring a touch of sweetness to an increasingly bitter world. However, Charlie and his friends, on the brink of eviction, plan to break into the factory to steal a unique chocolate bar and save their homes, facing challenges beyond their imagination.
The direction is handled by Jared Stern and Elaine Bogan, who say they grew up with Wonka’s surreal universe and want to offer a fresh visual experience for a more mature audience. The executive cast includes Aron Warner, Oscar winner for “Shrek”, and Timothy Yoo. The production benefits from Netflix’s acquisition, five years ago, of the Roald Dahl Story Company, and follows development that began in 2020, when the company had already announced animated projects involving Waititi.
Hannah Minghella, head of animation at the platform, highlighted the balance between nostalgia and innovation, while Waititi expressed excitement about bringing such a singular character to life. Connor, who recently voiced “Wild Robot”, praised the script and the look of the new adventure, emphasizing the preservation of the original spirit of the work with a fresh and original twist. The premiere is slated for 2027.
