We imagine ourselves in the magical chocolate factory of the iconic chocolatier Willy Wonka in the first images of Wonka’s The Golden Ticket (2026). Netflix’s game show has its first trailer and is immediately criticized. For example, the streaming service uses AI to imitate Gene Wilder’s voice.
Chocolate factory
It may be a dream for anyone who grew up with Roald Dahl’s book, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) met Gene Wilder of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) with Johnny Depp: get the Golden Ticket. Netflix makes that dream come true with the new game show Wonka’s The Golden Ticket.
Golden Ticket
The participants of Wonka’s The Golden Ticket get the chance to enter Wonka’s iconic chocolate factory. But there’s a catch: only players who find a golden ticket actually get access to the factory. Inside, a great adventure awaits the participants, full of unpredictable tests, games and temptations.
First images
The very first images of Wonka’s The Golden Ticket offer a first look at the impressive sets and preview the game show. But we also hear Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka as a voice-over. The voice of the actor, who died in 2016, has been brought to life with the help of AI. Many viewers completely disagree: “Really a shame!”
With the approval of relatives
The voice was created with the AI audio company ElevenLabs and in consultation with Wilder’s relatives. His wife, Karen B. Wilder, says she fully supports the choice. “We’re excited about that Wonka’s The Golden Ticket celebrating the warmth and imagination he brought to that role,” she said in a statement (read via Variety). “And introducing that magic to a new generation, while honoring the fans who have loved it for decades.”
When is Wonka’s The Golden Ticket to see on Netflix?
Wonka’s The Golden Ticket appears 23 september on Netflix. For a complete overview of all new films and series that will soon appear on the streaming service, visit our Coming soon to Netflix page.
Image: ‘Wonka’s The Golden Ticket’ via Netflix
