Netflix has officially revealed the first trailer for Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, an unscripted competition series inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. One of the biggest talking points surrounding the show is its use of artificial intelligence to recreate the iconic voice of Gene Wilder, who famously portrayed Willy Wonka in the beloved 1971 film.
According to Netflix, the recreated voice was developed with permission from Gene Wilder’s estate in collaboration with AI voice technology company ElevenLabs.
Gene Wilder’s AI-generated voice brings the classic Wonka back
The teaser features an AI-generated version of Wilder’s voice guiding contestants through the mysterious chocolate factory, recreating one of the most recognizable aspects of the original film. Rather than digitally recreating the actor’s appearance, the production uses only his voice to capture the spirit of the 1971 adaptation.
Netflix confirmed that the technology was developed with the approval of Wilder’s estate. His wife, Karen B. Wilder, said the family supported the project because it honors the actor’s lasting legacy.
“More than five decades after Gene brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance,”
Karen B. Wilder said on behalf of the estate.
She added,
“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.”
Reality competition inspired by the original film
Premiering on September 23, the series follows 12 Golden Ticket winners, each accompanied by a partner, as they enter a chocolate factory inspired by the 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory film. Contestants will face a variety of physical, mental, and moral challenges based on Roald Dahl’s classic story.
Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, giving the streaming platform expanded rights to develop projects based on the author’s works. The upcoming competition series is one of several productions stemming from that acquisition.
Fans of the original movie will also recognize another familiar face. Rusty Goffe, who portrayed one of the Oompa Loompas in the 1971 film, returns for the new series, adding another nostalgic connection to the classic adaptation.
AI continues to expand its role in entertainment
The use of AI-generated performances remains a widely discussed topic across Hollywood. In this case, Netflix emphasized that the recreation of Gene Wilder’s voice was created with the estate’s full consent, distinguishing the project from unauthorized AI recreations that have sparked controversy elsewhere in the industry.
With nostalgia, licensed AI technology, and a competition format inspired by one of cinema’s most beloved fantasy worlds, Wonka’s The Golden Ticket is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most unusual reality releases of 2026.
