New Delhi: From Johnny Depp to Timothée Chalamet, the character of Willy Wonka has been adapted several times for the silver screen. Now Gene Wilder, who appeared in the 1971 Willy Wonka film, is coming back. Netflix has recreated his voice with AI for its new reality show, Wonka’s Golden Ticket.
The streaming giant got permission from Wilder’s estate, and the voice will be created by AI company ElevenLabs, which recently dropped a 13-hour-long cinematic adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey with the AI-created voice of Michael Crain.
The Netflix series was announced last year and is based on Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Netflix bought the story rights in 2021. Since the show brings back the old voice from the ’70s, the set is inspired by the same movie. The show aims to guide contestants through a series of Wonka’s games, tests and temptations designed to challenge them physically, mentally and morally. The show will be released on 23 September.
Netflix dropped the trailer on 30 June. In the series, 12 tickets made of pure gold will be hidden. The winners who have these tickets will be allowed to participate in the reality show with a partner of their choice. In the end, one contestant will win Wonka’s life-changing prize.
Gene Wilder’s wife, Karen B Wilder, on behalf of the actor’s estate, shared that after five decades Wilder brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance.
“Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humour, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations,” she said.
Adding: “We are delighted that Wonka’s The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to a role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honouring the fans who have cherished it for decades.”
To make the show more nostalgic, Rusty Goffe is reprising his role as an Oompa Loompa from the 1971 film. In 2027, an animated version of Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory will be released on Netflix with Kit Connor and Taika Waititi voicing it.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)