Netflix will premiere its reality competition Wonka's The Golden Ticket on September 23, 2026, featuring 12 contestants competing in challenges inspired by the Willy Wonka franchise for a grand prize [1, 2, 3]. The nine-episode series is described as a "high-stakes social experiment" blending elements of fictional torture-based reality shows [1, 3].
The show’s narration features an AI-generated voice recreating the late Gene Wilder's iconic Willy Wonka character. Netflix partnered with ElevenLabs for the voice technology and received full consent and cooperation from Wilder's estate and his widow, Karen B. Wilder [1, 2, 3, 4]. Karen B. Wilder said, "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..." [2].
The AI voice debuted in the series’ first teaser trailer, released on June 30, 2026, introducing a new generation to Wilder’s characteristic narration while honoring longtime fans [2, 3, 4]. ElevenLabs previously used similar AI voice recreation for Michael Caine and Stan Lee. Caine commented on the technology, calling it "using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it... It's not about replacing voices; it's about amplifying them, opening doors for new storytellers everywhere." [1, 2, 3]
Rusty Goffe, who appeared as an Oompa Loompa in the original 1971 film, returns to the franchise in the show as well [2].
The competition's finale will air as a two-part episode on September 30, 2026, when the winner will be announced [1].
