Hitting cinemas in 2027, Netflix’s animated Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory boasts stacked voice cast

Netflix is having another go at Roald Dahl’s chocolate-coated universe, but before you ask – no, this isn’t another live-action Wonka prequel with singing Oompa-Loompas. While Timothée Chalamet takes his time sorting out that next live-action sequel, Netflix has decided to take things in a different direction with a new animated feature, Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, set to hit cinemas and streaming in 2027. Yes, you read that right – this one’s a proper theatrical release first, and not just shunted straight onto streaming.

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory opens in cinemas worldwide on 5 November 2027, then lands on Netflix on 22 December.

So it's a new spin, new cast, new everything – and yes, there are some surprises.

The Cast Is Wild

Let’s start with the voice line-up, because Netflix are clearly swinging hard for this one. Kit Connor (fresh off Heartstopper and apparently Elden Ring?) leads as a newly tweaked Charlie – now Charlie Paley, not Bucket. Then there’s Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka, hopefully less murderous than his last stint as a children’s character. Add to that Nicola Coughlan and Charithra Chandran (both from Bridgerton, so expect a certain amount of deadpan in the chocolate), Samson Kayo, Christopher Chung, plus big hitters Kate Winslet and Helena Bonham Carter. Safe to say, it’s a stacked cast. Don’t be shocked if you recognise pretty much every voice in the opening act.

This Time, Wonka’s the Ex-Con

Here’s where things get properly odd. In this version, Willy Wonka (Waititi) spent years in prison. Why? Well, he’s finally been done for what we’ve all suspected since the original – namely, turning a child into a blueberry. No chance to wriggle out of that one with plausible deniability. He serves his time, then tries to put things back on track at his factory, hoping for a second chance in an increasingly sour-tasting world.

But, twist: the titular Charlie isn’t his golden boy this time. Instead, Charlie Paley (Connor) and a bunch of his mates are next in line for eviction, and they’re desperate. With nowhere else to turn, they’re plotting a full-on heist on the chocolate factory. The big plan? Steal a legendary Wonka Bar and use it to save their homes. But, like most break-ins at Wonka’s place, nothing is ever simple. It’s all getting a bit Ocean’s Eleven meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with a proper anti-hero vibe and, presumably, more than a few sweets trying to eat you back. If you’re wondering when Charlie switched from sad-faced orphan to ringleader of a criminal gang, you’re not alone—apparently, Waititi and company have gone for something well off the original page.

Behind the Scenes

If you’re curious about the creative team, Jared Stern (wrote The LEGO Batman Movie) shares directing duties with Elaine Bogan (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia). Waititi’s also penned the script, which is said to take heavy inspiration from Dahl’s classic source material, but clearly with his own oddball spin on the whole affair. Netflix Animation Studios is handling the actual animation, and if the preview art is any indication, expect something slick, colourful, and just the right sort of weird.

It’s a fascinating choice: reimagining Roald Dahl’s chocolate universe as a full-scale animated caper, with Charlie and his ragtag team starring as unlikely burglars rather than golden ticket winners. Wonka’s reputation is, let’s just say, not exactly sweet any more. Still, the approach is nothing if not original, and with this cast and creative line-up, there’s at least a fighting chance the world will want to revisit the factory come 2027.

The film is directed by Stern and Bogan, with a script from Waititi based on Dahl’s work.