Netflix Announces Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory for 2027

Netflix confirmed that Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, an animated feature inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic, is scheduled for a 2027 release. The project, rooted in Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, introduces a new protagonist and frames itself as a continuation of Wonka's story following the events of the original Golden Ticket contest.

Netflix is positioning Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory as a reimagination of Dahl's story. “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,” emphasized Hannah Minghella, Netflix Animation Studios’ Feature Animation and Family Film Head.

Emmy winner Kit Connor, known for Heartstopper, voices Charlie Paley, one of the new generation “rotten” kids. Oscar winner Taika Waititi, whose work credits include What We Do in the Shadows, Jojo Rabbit, and Thor: Ragnarok, voices Willy Wonka.

Waititi characterized voicing Wonka’s role as a significant personal milestone. “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,” he said in a statement.

Connor has emphasized Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory’s distinct visual identity. “It's such a fun representation of the London that I know,” he said, adding that the film captures “the spirit and heart that made the original story so special,” while bringing uniqueness.

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory Production Team Signals Franchise Ambition

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory brings together a high-profile creative team, reflecting Netflix’s ambition for the franchise. The film is directed by The LEGO Batman Movie director Jared Stern and Elaine Bogan, known for animated movies like Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia and Spirit Untamed.

Watiti emphasized Stern and Bogan’s creative vision, stating, “Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy.”

Sony Pictures Imageworks, the studio behind the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, will animate the upcoming Willy Wonka movie. Academy Award winner Aron Warner and Timothy Yoo will produce, with Waititi serving as executive producer for Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory.

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory: A Sequel Built on Dahl's Legacy

The film arrives amid heightened competition in the animation space, where streamers are increasingly investing in recognizable intellectual property. Netflix acquired Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, enabling the streamer to produce interconnected stories from Dahl’s literary catalog.

Netflix states that the film starts with Wonka returning from prison, aiming to restore his factory. However, Wonka faces a new group of adversaries in this new timeline, teenagers led by Charlie Paley, who plot to break in and steal a priceless Wonka Bar to prevent their evictions.

Netflix is not directly positioning it as a sequel to the original novel, but unlike previous adaptations, it is reported to have a distinct “twist on everything you thought you knew about the world of Wonka.” Stern and Bogan also jointly stated that Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory animated movie is going to be “more deliciously unhinged than your wildest imagination.”

Back in 2021, during the acquisition, Netflix stated that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be adapted into a possible TV series. However, turning it into an animated feature reflects Netflix’s strategy to double down on animated productions.

Netflix’s Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory will also be the first animated adaptation of the original novel and will be the latest entry in Netflix's expanding Dahl portfolio that includes Wes Anderson's The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023) and The Twits (2025). The reality competition series, The Golden Ticket, another Netflix production set in the Wonka universe, is also due later in 2026.