Netflix’s “Wonka’s the Golden Ticket” puts contestants through factory challenges inspired by the 1971 film as they compete for “a lifetime supply of money.” It features a cameo by original Charlie actor Peter Ostrum and a Gene Wilder voice recreation.
The loudspeaker voice is a recreation created with Wilder’s estate and AI company ElevenLabs; his wife, Karen B. Wilder, said the series honors the warmth and imagination he brought to the role. Rusty Goffe, who appeared in the 1971 film, also returns alongside his son Ben. Contestants’ signatures on an oversized contract with tiny print affect gameplay.
The first seven episodes were released Sept. 23, with the final two set for Sept. 30. Other callbacks include a redesigned Wonkatania that spares contestants the original film’s tunnel of terror, plus challenges involving Everlasting Gobstoppers, a shrinking hallway and licking wallpaper.
