Netflix is apparently working on a Willy Wonka reality series and honestly we’re down. According to Deadline, Netflix is preparing a reality competition series based on Roald Dah’s story. Previous versions of this story coming to our screens has lead Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp, and Timothee Chalet to play the title character. Now…no one will play the eccentric chocolate maker. Instead we’re going to get a reality show, the latest trend in the unscripted market.
It’s not as if this Willy Wonka reality TV series won’t come without headaches. Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021 for an undisclosed figure. But it did give them full access to the authors works. That lead to the 2022 Matilda The Musical, with the studio apparently still working on a project based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Taika Waititi and Phil Johnston. Like other streamers and studios, Netflix expressed at the time to make a universe of projects based on Dahl’s works.
This reality series seems to be a continuation of that promise to create a world based on Dahl’s works. But maybe not the kind that most envisioned when they first got access to his catalog. That doesn’t mean that we can’t get something absolutely wild from a reality series based on Willy Wonka. In fact, I think that Netflix is taking advantage of the fact that reality TV shows are cheaper to make and the viral Willy Wonka experience up in Scotland that still haunts the dreams of that one Oompa Loompa who worked in that super sketch chocolate lab.
If Netflix wants to catch views, they should absolutely hire that Oompa Loompa to be the host and then bring on The Unknown creature that apparently terrified children throughout the experience. Personally, Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka was unhinged in the most delightful way. If Netflix were to bring that energy to their reality TV series, I admit I would watch. Throw in some chocolate based challenges that reference back to the iconic movies and books, and you’ve got yourself a hit.
