Wonka’s the Golden Ticket

From the pages of Roald Dahl’s classic novel to the big screen adaptations, Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory is a place of imagination and childhood wonderment. Netflix’s version of the confectionery wonderland in Wonka’s the Golden Ticket, however, is a sterile and charmless imitation of the 1971 film that’s given a Squid Game makeover. The premise sees 12 pairs of contestants and Wonka superfans compete in a series of candy-themed contests to win a grand prize of $3 million (although it’s not specified if it’s split between the pair). Despite some creative practical effects, this reality game show is formulaic and artificial, the opposite of what Wonka’s factory should be.

After briefly introducing the contenders, a diverse mixture of siblings, relatives, partners and best friends, the show opens with them stepping through the golden gates into the factory. The building itself is an impressive, full-size set complete with an actual edible room, brought to life by clever illusions. Participants disappear in a puff of smoke after eating a gumball, others are transported into a TV game show in the style of Mike Teevee, and some enter a “half office” where everything is cut in half. Less convincing are the flashing lights and sound effects designed to mimic the iconic Great Glass Elevator, which clearly doesn’t move.

The show’s most controversial choice is also its strangest. Players are guided through their experience by the disembodied voice of Gene Wilder created by AI. Although the show notes that the late Wonka actor’s family gave permission to use his likeness, there’s a stiltedness to the delivery that sits uncomfortably with the whimsical homage the show aims for. The absence of a physical host also means that the contestants are by themselves for most of the tasks, which consequently makes the factory feel empty. It’s not Wonka’s factory without Willy Wonka.

Aside from the challenges, the bulk of the show is centred around the drama between players as they form alliances and talk to camera about who they can’t trust. It all comes across as forced, with the Squid Game-style cliffhangers designed to get viewers to watch the next episode being more frustrating than exciting.

Having original Oompa Loompa actor Rusty Goffe return to reprise his role is a nice touch, but the nods to the source material aren’t enough to cover up the bad taste this reality show leaves in viewers’ mouths.

Andrew Murray

Wonka’s the Golden Ticket is released on Netflix on 23^rd September 2026.

Watch the trailer for Wonka’s the Golden Ticket here: