Netflix‘s upcoming reality competition show already faces controversy ahead of its debut. This controversy is not related to the show’s rules or contestants, but rather to the audience’s reaction to the new Willy Wonka.
Why is Netflix’s new Willy Wonka TV show already controversial?
Wonka’s The Golden Ticket is a new, unscripted Netflix show based on Roald Dahl’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. The book was first adapted into a movie in 1971 with Gene Wilder playing Willy Wonka.
However, the upcoming TV show has generated Wilder’s voice as Wonka using AI to guide the contestants throughout the show. This is likely to cause controversy, as per Deadline, due to mixed views towards the technology, especially in the artistic world.
ElevenLabs, an AI audio company, recreated the voiceover. The company has recreated Michael Caine’s voice narrating The Odyssey audiobook and also partnered with The Stan Lee Estate to recreate Lee’s voice.
This was done with consent from the Wilder Estate. His wife, Karen B. Wilder, commented, “Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations. 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.”
Like the movie, this show will host multiple competitions among contestants vying for a “life-changing prize.” In the show, 12 contestants will participate with a partner of their choice. Together, they will step into Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and face a series of challenges, including games, tests, and temptations designed to test their physical, mental, and moral states.
Although the cast members have yet to be revealed, Rusty Goffe will reprise his role as an Oompa Loompa. The series will be released on the platform on September 23, 2026, followed by a two-part finale on September 30.
