Netflix screened the first footage of its upcoming animated feature Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. The film, which stars Kit Connor as Charlie and Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka, is scheduled for release in 2027 and presents a modern take on the classic Roald Dahl story.
The screening marks a significant milestone for Netflix’s ongoing efforts to bring Roald Dahl’s beloved stories to new audiences following the streaming giant’s acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021 for $400 million.
Main Developments From the Annecy Screening
The footage presented at Annecy reveals that Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory takes a fresh approach to the familiar story. Directors Elaine Bogan and Jared Stern have set the film in modern London, departing from previous adaptations that maintained period settings.
In this version, Charlie is portrayed as a streetwise kid facing eviction from his home. Rather than winning a golden ticket through chance, this Charlie plans to break into the Chocolate Factory with his friends, giving the narrative a different starting point than audiences might expect from previous versions.
The footage also showcased the film’s interpretation of the iconic Oompa Loompas. The characters have been redesigned as small Minions-type creatures, representing a significant visual departure from how they have been portrayed in earlier films. The famous glass elevator, a key element from both the original novel and its sequel Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator published in 1972, also appears in the footage shown at the festival.
Taika Waititi serves double duty on the project, providing the voice for Willy Wonka while also working as an executive producer. His portrayal of the chocolatier is described as more menacing than previous versions of the character brought to screen by Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp, and most recently Timothée Chalamet.
What We Know So Far
Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory is confirmed as a Netflix animated feature film directed by Elaine Bogan and Jared Stern. The project was originally envisioned as a series before being reformatted as a feature film.
The confirmed voice cast includes Kit Connor in the lead role of Charlie and Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka. The full voice cast has not been announced.
The film’s setting is modern London, where Charlie is depicted as a streetwise young person dealing with the threat of eviction. The plot involves Charlie and his friends planning to break into the Chocolate Factory, a notable change from traditional adaptations where Charlie wins entry through a golden ticket.
Visual elements confirmed from the footage include redesigned Oompa Loompas that resemble small Minions-type creatures and the appearance of the glass elevator.
The release is scheduled for 2027, though a specific date has not been announced.
What Happens Next
With the first footage now publicly screened at one of the world’s most prestigious animation festivals, Netflix is expected to continue building awareness for the project ahead of its 2027 release.
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival screening represents an early look at the film, which remains in production. Additional casting announcements, trailers, and marketing materials can be expected as the release date approaches.
Netflix’s Roald Dahl Projects
Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory is part of Netflix’s broader strategy to develop content based on Roald Dahl’s works following the 2021 acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company for $400 million.
Previous Netflix projects based on Dahl’s writings include Wes Anderson’s short films collected in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More. The streaming service has also developed an animated feature based on The Twits, another Dahl creation.
The acquisition gave Netflix access to one of the most beloved catalogs of children’s literature in publishing history. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remains one of Dahl’s most recognized works, having inspired multiple film adaptations over the decades.
The History of Wonka on Screen
Willy Wonka has been portrayed by several actors across different film adaptations. Gene Wilder played the character in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Johnny Depp took on the role in Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Most recently, Timothée Chalamet portrayed a younger version of the character in the prequel film Wonka.
Taika Waititi’s voice performance as Wonka in the Netflix animated film is described as taking a more menacing approach to the character compared to these previous portrayals.
Important Details About the Film
The film is directed by Elaine Bogan and Jared Stern. Taika Waititi serves as executive producer in addition to voicing Willy Wonka.
The setting is modern London rather than a period setting used in previous adaptations.
Charlie is portrayed as a streetwise kid facing eviction who plans to break into the Chocolate Factory with friends.
The Oompa Loompas have been redesigned as small Minions-type creatures.
The glass elevator appears in the footage.
The project was originally developed as a series before being reformatted as a feature film.
The release is scheduled for 2027. An exact release date has not been announced.
Information about the film’s runtime, budget, full voice cast, and soundtrack has not been released.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory coming to Netflix?
The animated film is scheduled for release in 2027. Netflix has not announced a specific release date.
Who voices Willy Wonka in the Netflix animated film?
Taika Waititi voices Willy Wonka. He also serves as executive producer on the project.
Who plays Charlie in the new Netflix Chocolate Factory movie?
Kit Connor provides the voice for Charlie in the animated film directed by Elaine Bogan and Jared Stern.
Is the Netflix Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory a series or movie?
Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory is an animated feature film. The project was originally envisioned as a series before being reformatted as a feature.
Where is the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory set?
The film is set in modern London, departing from the settings used in previous film adaptations of the Roald Dahl story.
The first footage screening at Annecy provides audiences with an initial glimpse of Netflix’s approach to one of Roald Dahl’s most beloved stories. With Kit Connor and Taika Waititi leading the voice cast and a 2027 release date confirmed, additional details about the animated feature are expected to emerge in the coming months.
