Netflix acquired the rights to the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, following an initial animation-specific deal in 2018 to adapt his works for the streaming platform. Although Netflix isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Roald Dahl, the association has shifted in recent times, with many people instead thinking of Timothée Chalamet or the infamous AI-generated Willy Wonka script that went viral for its terribleness.

Despite this, Netflix hasn’t forgotten about its valuable and expensive IP acquisition, which was reportedly worth nine figures. The streaming giant has already produced several projects under this deal, including the 2022 film Matilda the Musical, starring Emma Thompson and Lashana Lynch, as well as Wes Anderson’s 2023 short film The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, which won an Oscar. An animated film adaptation of The Twits is also in the works, set to release later this year.

Netflix has now announced its latest Roald Dahl project, which marks the first time the streaming platform will be adapting the author’s most popular work, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. However, instead of a traditional film or series, Netflix is taking a cue from its hit franchise Squid Game and creating a reality competition show called The Golden Ticket.

While Squid Game: The Challenge was met with controversy and confusion, it was also a huge success, and it’s clear that the producers have drawn inspiration from the show in creating The Golden Ticket. The new reality competition is based on the original book, where a group of kids and their parents compete to inherit Willy Wonka’s fantastical factory. Although the show won’t feature actual children, contestants aged 18 and above can apply to participate.

The show is still in the casting phase, but a press release on Netflix’s Tudum site describes The Golden Ticket as “an all-new reality competition inspired by the bold and imaginative universe of Wonka.” The release continues: “Just like Charlie Bucket and the other children in Roald Dahl’s original 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a group of lucky contestants will have the chance to step into the whimsical wonderland—and to enter, you’ll need a coveted golden ticket.

To achieve success in this high-stakes social experiment, players will have to adapt and strategize, as a golden ticket only gets you so far. Wonka’s guests must withstand games, tests, and temptations designed to prove their instincts, resilience, and ability to thrive in the chaos of a retro-futuristic dreamscape.” The show’s casting website promises a “huge prize” and describes The Golden Ticket as “a social experiment like no other,” which may raise some eyebrows given the controversy surrounding Squid Game.

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