Pictures courtesy of Netflix

Netflix's ambitious plans for the Roald Dahl library have finally yielded something concrete—and it's the project fans have been waiting for most. A brand-new animated feature film, Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, is officially set for a 2027 Netflix release. Here's everything we know so far.

Netflix first announced its sweeping partnership with The Roald Dahl Story Company back in 2018, securing the rights to adapt more than 15 of the beloved author's works. Three years later, in 2021, the streamer went further still, acquiring The Roald Dahl Story Company outright.

The partnership has already delivered some notable results: the acclaimed live-action Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022), Wes Anderson's Oscar-winning short The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (along with several companion shorts), and last year's animated adaptation of The Twits. But from the very beginning, the property fans most wanted news on was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—and that wait is finally nearing its end.

Cast your mind back to 2020, when Netflix announced that Academy Award winner Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit) would write, direct, and executive produce two Charlie and the Chocolate Factory projects. Both were described as "event series"—Netflix's terminology for a limited series. One would be rooted in the world and characters of Roald Dahl's original 1964 novel; the other was pitched as a "wholly original take" centered on the Oompa-Loompas.

As we've previously reported, those plans quietly evolved behind the scenes. The last public signal of activity came when Mikros Animation was hiring for the project in 2022, before things went dark. By early 2023, most of the people attached to that original iteration had moved on.

What emerged from that development shift is Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory—an animated feature film targeting a 2027 release.

What is the plot of Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory?

Picture Credit: Netflix (Click for full size)

This is not a retelling of Dahl's source novel, nor does it follow in the footsteps of any of the three live-action films. Instead, the movie takes the beloved mythology in a decidedly darker, more irreverent direction—one with a heist at its heart.

The story picks up after Willy Wonka has served prison time following the notorious "blueberry" incident, and centres on a new generation of cash-strapped kids plotting to break into his factory. Here is Netflix's official logline:

"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…"

Beyond the new narrative, the film will feature original songs, brand-new characters, and some familiar faces from the original story making a return.

Who is voicing Wonka and the new Charlie?

Pictures: Netflix / Getty Images

Netflix has assembled a strong cast for its two central roles.

Academy Award winner Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit) steps into the purple velvet coat to voice Willy Wonka himself. Waititi, who is also serving as Executive Producer, spoke to his enthusiasm for the character: "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."

Opposite Waititi, Heartstopper fan favourite and Children's & Family Emmy winner Kit Connor takes on the role of Charlie Paley, the film's new teenage protagonist. Connor broke out in the long-running Netflix series Heartstopper, and brings that same youthful energy to this very different project.

"I'm so excited to enter the wonderful world of Wonka," Connor said of his casting. "I was immediately caught by the early concept art, and the directors' vision for the film—capturing the spirit and heart that made the original story so special, whilst imbuing it with something so fresh and unique. It's such a fun representation of the London that I know."

Who is behind the animation and direction?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a Netflix Animation Studio Original, with visual effects handled by the Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures Imageworks. The studio's pedigree speaks for itself — their fingerprints are on genre-defining work including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and several acclaimed Netflix productions: Over The Moon, Vivo, KPop Demon Hunters, and The Sea Beast. Expect a visually distinctive, boldly stylized take on Roald Dahl's world.

Picture Credit: Getty Images / CartoonBrew

At the helm are directors Jared Stern — known for The LEGO Batman Movie and Netflix's Green Eggs and Ham — and Elaine Bogan, whose credits include Netflix's Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia and Spirit Untamed. The pair have been developing the project since at least 2023, and they're clearly relishing the assignment. In their own words:

"Having been raised on the delightfully twisted world of Willy Wonka, it's a privilege to bring his continued adventures to life as twisted adults. And how sweet to do it like never before via the magic of animation, creating a Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory that's more deliciously unhinged than your wildest imagination. If we do a rotten job, you can throw us down a rubbish chute!"

The creative team is rounded out by Academy Award-winning producer Aron Warner (Shrek) and producer Timothy Yoo (Back to the Outback, Green Eggs and Ham).

When is Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory coming to Netflix?

Netflix has officially slated Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory for a 2027 release.

We'll keep this preview updated with the latest trailers, cast announcements, and release date details as they become available. Excited for this animated take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Let us know in the comments — and you can add a reminder on Netflix now.