We here at Booked & Screened never imagined we’d be writing about unscripted content, but on Tuesday, Netflix announced a new reality competition series inspired by the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” The show, “Wonka’s The Golden Ticket,” is set to hit the streamer Sept. 23. 

Netflix also released a teaser trailer showing off the bright, colorful sets of the new show. 

Netflix said the series pays tribute specifically to the 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Dahl was the screenwriter who adapted his own book for the movie). That film starred Gene Wilder (“Young Frankenstein”), whose recreated voice will be featured in the reality series with permission from the late actor’s wife, Karen B. Wilder. 

“Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations,” Karen B. Wilder said. “We are delighted that ‘Wonka’s The Golden Ticket’ celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to the role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honoring the fans who have cherished it for decades.”

Netflix said the show will feature 12 golden ticket winners along with a partner of their choosing to visit the recreated chocolate factory. 

“Once inside, delicious mischief awaits, as the players must navigate a series of Wonka’s temptations and challenges, which are designed to push them physically, mentally and morally,” a synopsis from the streamer said. 

“In the end, only one contestant will earn Wonka’s life-changing prize in this high-stakes social experiment inspired by one of the most iconic worlds in cinematic history.”

In addition to bringing back the voice of Gene Wilder, the series will also bring back Rusty Goffe (“Terry Pratchett’s The Colour of Magic”) from the original movie. He played one of the iconic Oompa Loompa characters in the film. 

In addition to the 1971 film, Dahl’s classic children’s book was adapted as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in 2005 by screenwriter John August (“Big Fish”) and filmmaker Tim Burton (“Frankenweenie”), starring Johnny Depp (“Chocolat”) in the titular role. Netflix is also working to produce an animated film called “Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory” featuring the voices of Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) and Kit Connor (“Heartstopper”). The film, which was written by Waititi and directed by Elaine Bogan and Jared Stone, is expected to be released in 2027. 

About the writer

Danielle Haynes is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development. As a kid, she watched the 1971 Wonka movie over and over, but it wasn’t until she was an adult that she realized that guy really hated kids.