Heartstopper star joins Taika Waititi’s Willy Wonka in radical new take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for Netflix

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News recently confirmed a sequel to the popular 2023 movie Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet. However, that’s not the only Roald Dahl inspired Wonka project in the works!

Netflix is releasing a new animated movie based on a beloved character in 2027. They’ve recently revealed the movie’s title, who will be starring in it, and a first look image (pictured above).

The upcoming film, titled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, will feature Taika Waititi, known for directing Thor: Ragnarok, as the voice of Willy Wonka. Kit Connor, star of Heartstopper, will play the role of Charlie.

This isn’t the Charlie Bucket you might remember from the book and movies. This new film introduces a different character named Charlie Paley, and based on what we know so far, he seems quite distinct from the original.

Netflix says the movie takes place in present-day London and begins with Willy Wonka getting out of prison. He’s been locked up ever since the Golden Ticket contest, having been convicted of turning a child into a blueberry.

After finishing his sentence, Wonka goes back to his factory hoping to bring some joy to a gloomy world. However, a group of teenagers led by Charlie Paley are creating problems for him.

These kids are about to lose their homes, so they come up with a daring plan: break into the factory, steal a valuable Wonka Bar, and use it to save themselves. But just like others who’ve ventured inside, they’re about to discover things are much more complicated than they expected…

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Jared Stern, who directed ‘DC League of Super-Pets,’ and Elaine Bogan, known for ‘Spirit Riding Untamed,’ directed the film. It features original music, new characters, and a few familiar faces making a comeback.

Stern and Bogan shared that growing up loving the imaginative and quirky world of Willy Wonka has made it a dream come true to continue his story for adult audiences.

It’s incredibly exciting to reimagine this story with the freedom of animation, aiming for a ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ that’s even more wonderfully chaotic than you can imagine. And if we don’t succeed, feel free to let us know – harshly!

Connor expressed his enthusiasm about joining the upcoming Wonka movie, explaining that he was drawn in by the initial artwork and the directors’ creative ideas.

As a huge fan, I was so excited to hear him say it’s a really fun take on the London I love! He promised this new story will totally surprise everyone and that we’re all in for something special – I can’t wait!

Waititi complimented Stern and Bogan’s ambitious approach and noted the film respectfully honored the franchise’s history.

He described Willy Wonka as someone very special to him, and said he was incredibly excited to voice such a famous, quirky, and sometimes playful character.

Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory will be released in 2027.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about movies for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming services. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed all kinds of films.

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2026-04-16 16:34