Roald Dahl‘s universe keeps growing into something that nobody was ever expecting before. Following the huge success of the first movie, Wonka (2023), Netflix has released the “first look” of its upcoming animated sequel, Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory. While the golden tickets and the rivers of chocolate were expected, there are several new elements here that promise a very different story in 2027.
A Modern London Setting and a “Rotten” New Hero
For once, the setting will not have anything to do with some vaguely European town of the old times. This version of the story takes place in modern London. In this version, however, the hero’s name will be Charlie Paley, who is played by actor Kit Connor (Heartstopper).
Charlie Paley and his gang of friends are described as a new generation of “rotten” children. As they face being evicted from their homes, they decide to plan a heist in the famous factory to steal a valuable Wonka Bar to save their neighborhood. Speaking of his experience of acting in this film, Kit Connor describes it as a fun way to represent the “London that I know” and breathe fresh air into the original story.
As mentioned above, the main character of this movie is the protagonist’s friend, Willy Wonka, who serves as the villain in the original tale. In this movie, however, he is voiced by Taika Waititi, who also executive-produced the movie.
The man behind the character is in prison for a number of years because of his ‘accidental’ transforming a child into a giant blueberry. Having served his term, he returns to his factory in order to bring some sweetness to the bitterness of the world around him. According to Waititi, he feels excited to portray this iconic, crazy “candy genius” once again.
The upcoming movie is created as a collaboration between Netflix and Sony Pictures Imageworks, the company that won the Oscars for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and animated KPop Demon Hunters. As for the visual style, it is supposed to impress audiences and merge Dahl’s trademark charm with the kinetic animation of the modern era.
As for the directors, this movie is made in cooperation with Jared Stern (director of The Lego Batman Movie) and Elaine Bogan (director of Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia). Today’s press conference included a little joke from the creative team stating that the movie is designed for “twisted adults” who have seen the original. They also assured us that there would be a world “more deliciously unhinged than you’ve ever imagined.” It will include some new characters and songs.
This movie is the newest addition to Netflix’s Roald Dahl Cinematic Universe, which started developing after the acquisition of Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. Before it, there was The Twits (2025) and Wes Anderson’s The Wonderful Land of Roald Dahl short film collection (2024).
After the movie, viewers will have a chance to watch another movie, The Golden Ticket—a reality show featuring contestants trying to get to Willy Wonka’s candy factory. It is scheduled for release in late 2026.