Netflix's "Wonka's The Golden Ticket" Faces Scathing Reviews for AI Use and Departure from Dahl's Themes

Netflix's latest adaptation of Roald Dahl's work, "Wonka's The Golden Ticket," a reality competition show inspired by "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," has drawn sharp criticism from reviewers. The series, which reportedly involved a significant investment in Dahl's back catalog, places 24 contestants in a competition set within recreated versions of the iconic factory.

Instead of chocolate, the prize is a six-figure salary for 30 years. The show also features an AI-generated voice of the late Gene Wilder, who portrayed Willy Wonka in the 1971 film, created by audio firm ElevenLabs. Rusty Goffe, who appeared in the original film, reprises his role as head Oompa Loompa.

Critics have voiced strong disapproval, with many suggesting Dahl himself would not approve. Benji Wilson of The Telegraph awarded the show one star, describing it as eight hours of "formulaic padding" and questioning the show's length and content. He noted that while the character of Mike Teavee might have enjoyed the show, Dahl himself likely would not have.

Variety's Alison Herman criticized the use of AI to recreate Gene Wilder's voice, deeming it a "ghoulish misuse of AI Gene Wilder." While acknowledging the production secured permission from Wilder's estate, Herman questioned the necessity and ethical implications of using a deceased actor's voice for a game show, suggesting the manipulation of his image for entertainment could be off-putting to viewers.

NME reviewer Vicky Jessop echoed these sentiments, awarding the show two stars and stating, "just like AI-Gene Wilder, the soul of Wonka’s Golden Ticket is missing." The review pointed out that the reality show format undermines the cautionary nature of Dahl's original book, which emphasized consequences for greed and stupidity. The show, in contrast, appears to encourage these traits for entertainment value.

Phil Harrison of The Guardian agreed, observing that "Wonka's The Golden Ticket" seems to promote a moral direction opposite to Dahl's original work. He predicted the factory would be filled with "Veruca Salts: blithe, easily manipulated, wanting everything right now," rather than characters like Charlie Bucket who demonstrate good behavior.