- Netflix has unveiled its fresh take on Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Arriving in 2027, the animated movie is called Charlie Vs. the Chocolate Factory
- Heartstopper's Kit Connor and Thor: Ragnarok's Taika Waititi voice its leads
Netflix has officially unveiled Charlie Vs. the Chocolate Factory, its lip-smacking fresh take on Roald Dahl's iconic children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The animated movie, the development of which is being helmed by Sony Pictures Imageworks, aka the studio behind Netflix juggernaut Kpop Demon Hunters and the critically-acclaimed Spider-Verse films, will drop exclusively on one of the world's best streaming services in 2027.
The forthcoming film will put a deliciously sour spin on Dahl's oft-adapted literary work, too — indeed, it'll see the factory's whimsical owner Willy Wonka lock horns with a teenage version of Charlie, the child protagonist of Dahl's best-selling novel.
As part of the announcement, Netflix revealed the first piece of artwork for the flick. The image, which you've already seen above, shows a lollipop-holding silhouetted individual staring at the eponymous, color-drenched sweet-producing factory.
Furthermore, Netflix confirmed the first two actors who'll lend their voices to Willy Wonka and Charlie in its feature film reimagining.
Taika Waititi, who some readers will know from his work on Marvel movies Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, as well as other projects including Jojo Rabbit, What We Do In the Shadows, and Our Flag Means Death, will voice the infamous chocolatier. Meanwhile, Heartstopper's Kit Connor will take on the role as the antagonistic Charlie.
Here's the official story synopsis for Charlie Vs. the Chocolate Factory which, unlike its literary inspiration, will be set in present-day London: "Willy Wonka has spent the years since the Golden Ticket contest behind bars (not the chocolate kind) for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry.
"Having served his time, Wonka returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world. But, one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of rotten kids plot to break into the factory, nab a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But, like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, these kids are in for a bit more than they can chew..."
Jared Stern (The LEGO Batman Movie, Green Eggs and Ham) and Elaine Bogan (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Spirit Untamed) are on board as the movie's directors. Waititi will executively produce the film with the aid of Oscar-winner Aron Warner (Shrek) and fellow producer Timothy Yoo (Back to the Outback, Green Eggs and Ham).
"Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy, and I'm thrilled to play my part in bringing Willy Wonka to life in animated form," Waititi said in a statement. "He is so special to me, and the opportunity to voice such an iconic, eccentric candy genius — if a little mischievous at times — is hugely exciting."
Having acquired the Roald Dahl Company in 2021, Charlie Vs. the Chocolate Factory will be the next Netflix adaptation that's based on the Dutch author's hugely successful body of work. So far, the entertainment giant has released live-action productions Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar short story anthology, plus an animated take on The Twits.
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