Wonka is now streaming on Netflix
Quiet up, and listen down. Nope, scratch that. Reverse it.
After Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet, released in December 2023, and opened to SWEET reviews, the whimsical origin story has continued to charm audiences well beyond cinemas. Now, the film has found a new home on Netflix, giving fans another chance to step into its cocoa-coated world.
Blending music, magic, and heartfelt storytelling, Wonka has become a standout family favourite. If you missed it on the big screen or want to watch it again, here is everything you need to know about when it arrives on Netflix and how to stream it, including behind-the-scenes tidbits!
What is Wonka about?
Wonka is a 2023 musical fantasy film starring Timothée Chalamet as the young origin story of Willy Wonka, the iconic chocolate-maker from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Directed by Paul King, the whimsical tale follows an impoverished Wonka arriving in Europe with dreams of opening his own candy shop.
After losing his money, he's trapped in a boarding house and forced into a laundromat by cruel proprietress Mrs. Scrutitt. Wonka escapes with help from orphan Noodle and an Oompa Loompa named Lofty, creating magical hover-chocolates that make people fly. Despite facing a cartel of greedy rival chocolatiers, Wonka perseveres, eventually opening his fantasy chocolate store and liberating his friends.
When is Wonka on Netflix?
Following its theatrical release on Friday 8th December 2023, Wonka began streaming on Netflix on 16th June 2026.
Who wrote the screenplay?
Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) & Paul King wrote the screenplay, based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl.
Watch the official trailer here:
Who is in the Wonka cast?
Wonka stars Timothée Chalamet as young Willy Wonka, the dreamy chocolatier with aspirations of opening his own candy shop. Olivia Colman plays Mrs. Scrubbit, the cruel boarding house proprietress who traps Wonka, while Hugh Grant voicing Lofty, an Oompa-Loompa seeking revenge. Calah Lane portrays Noodle, an orphan who becomes Wonka's ally, and Tom Davis appears as Bleacher, Mrs. Scrubbit's henchman.
The rival chocolatiers include Mathew Baynton as Fickelgruber, Paterson Joseph as Slugworth, and Matt Lucas as Prodnose, who form a greedy cartel to eliminate competition.
Downton Abbey's Jim Carter plays Abacus Crunch, Natasha Rothwell is Piper Benz, and Rich Fulcher appears as Larry Chucklesworth, fellow hostages in the laundromat. Keegan-Michael Key stars as the Police Chief, Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius, and Sally Hawkins as Willy Wonka's mother.
Check out the Wonka cast:
Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet takes on the lead role of Mr Willy Wonka himself.
Olivia Colman
Olivia Colman plays Mrs. Scrubitt.
Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant appears as an Oompa Loompa!
Rowan Atkinson
Rown Atkinson plays the role of Father Julius.
Jim Carter
Jim Carter takes on the role of Abacus Crunch.
Rakhee Thakrar
Sex Education's Rakhee Thakrar plays Lottie Bell.
Matt Lucas
Little Britain star and Bake Off host Matt Lucas plays Prodnose.
Paterson Joseph
BBC's Vigil star Paterson Joseph portrays Slugworth.
Tom Davis
Tom Davis plays the role of Bleacher.
Keegan-Michael Key
Keegan-Michael will be plays the Chief of Police in the film.
Mathew Baynton
English actor, writer, comedian and musician Mathew Baynton will also be appearing in the film, playing the role of Fickelgruber. Known for his appearance in shows such as Horrible Histories, Yonderland and Ghosts, we cannot wait to see him in the upcoming Wonka movie!
Simon Farnaby
Actor, comedian and Horrible Histories legend Simon Farnaby co-wrote the screenplay, makes an appearance in the film.
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE also appears in the film.
What about the music?
The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon provided the tunes for the prequel. Per the announcement at the time, it explores the 'vivid, mythical beginnings of the imaginative young inventor before he becomes the renowned scrumdiddlyumptious Mozart of chocolate.'
Where was Wonka filmed?
Principal photography for the fantasy film Wonka took place between September 2021 and February 2022.
Filming for the Wonka film took place in Lyme Regis, Bath. Production was also under way at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden - a studio complex in Watford, North West London. Fans even spotted leading actor Timothée donning the iconic purple velvet jacket.
Timothée was also seen filming for the upcoming movie at Oxford University! Co-stars Calah Lane and Hugh Grant were also spotted, reportedly.
Timothée even had iconic props such as Wonka's cane, top hat and signature velvet jacket.
When was Wonka announced?
Warner Bros. first announced that they would be reopening the chocolate factory gates back in 2016. We subsequently discovered Paddington director Paul King was attached to helm the film.