Wonka’s The Golden Ticket: Inside the Gold Coast Set
Netflix’s Wonka’s The Golden Ticket transports contestants to a sprawling, chocolate‑filled factory on the Gold Coast. The series blends reality competition with steampunk design, featuring AI‑revived Gene Wilder, a massive chocolate river, and a host of physical challenges. Production wrapped in 1…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Netflix’s newest reality series, Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, has taken the world by storm, offering a fresh twist on Roald Dahl’s beloved story. Filmed on the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios, the show brings the whimsical world of Willy Wonka to life with a massive, edible set and a cast of 12 adult contestants competing for a $3 million prize.
From Classic to Reality TV
The original 1971 film, starring Gene Wilder as the eccentric chocolatier, was a cult favorite that never quite hit the box office. Fast forward to 2024, Netflix has acquired the rights to Dahl’s works and decided to reimagine the tale as a reality competition. Instead of children, the series features adult duos—partners, siblings, friends, and even a grandfather‑grandson pair—who must navigate a series of sticky, physical challenges to win the grand prize.
Why the Gold Coast?
Co‑showrunner Emer Harkin explains that the Gold Coast was chosen for its world‑class studios and the availability of space. The production company, based in Sydney, found the location ideal for the ambitious set design. The result is a 40,000‑square‑foot factory that feels like a cross between a steampunk laboratory and a candy wonderland.
Set Design: A Chocolate‑Infused Fantasy
Production designer Chris Batson, a Sydney native and lecturer at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, oversaw a team of 120 artisans. The set features chocolate bricks, edible mushrooms, and a river of 102,206 litres of real chocolate cascading from a waterfall. Even the grass is made from Ferrero Rocher chocolate, giving the landscape a citrusy, posh flavour.
The Wonkavator, an optical‑illusion elevator, lets contestants move horizontally, vertically, and diagonally through the factory. Batson notes that the illusion is achieved more through strong visuals than actual motion, creating a sense of movement that keeps participants on their toes.
Challenges and the Magic of Disappearance
Contestants begin each episode by walking through a corridor that narrows to a meter from the ceiling, complete with a gumball machine that spits out purple and gold marzipan balls. A cold fog then envelops the room, and one contestant vanishes, only to reappear encased in a giant ball inside the gumball machine. The objective is to free their partner, echoing the original story’s theme of teamwork.
Because the show relies on non‑trained actors, the production hired a magician, Adam Mada, to advise on realistic disappearances. Mada recalls that producers wanted “people to disappear” and that his role was to make that illusion possible within the set’s constraints.
Production Timeline and Behind‑the‑Scenes Insights
Filming wrapped after a tight 13‑week schedule, a testament to the crew’s efficiency and creativity. The set’s sheer scale—larger than any previous Australian production—required meticulous planning. Batson highlights that the construction manager, experienced with American‑Australian films, praised the set as the biggest they had ever built.
Despite the logistical challenges, Batson found the project to be a fairy tale come true. He credits his childhood love of movies for inspiring the opportunity to bring such a fantastical vision to life.
What’s Next for the Series?
With the first season already streaming on Netflix, fans can look forward to future episodes that promise even more elaborate challenges and deeper dives into the Wonka universe. The show’s success has sparked interest in potential spin‑offs, including a possible animated series or a feature film adaptation that could explore the story’s origins in greater depth.
For now, viewers can enjoy the dazzling spectacle of a chocolate river, steampunk machinery, and the thrill of competition—all set to the backdrop of Gene Wilder’s iconic voice, revived through AI technology.
Key facts
- The series reimagines Roald Dahl’s classic as a reality competition.
- Filmed on the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios with a massive chocolate set.
- Gene Wilder’s voice is revived via AI, adding authenticity.
- 12 adult duos compete for a $3 million prize in steampunk challenges.
- Production wrapped in 13 weeks, showcasing innovative set design.
Why it matters
Wonka’s The Golden Ticket demonstrates how beloved literary works can be revitalized through immersive reality TV, blending nostalgia with cutting‑edge production design.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the show filmed?
Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast, Australia.
Who voices Willy Wonka in the series?
Gene Wilder’s voice, recreated with AI technology.
How many contestants are there?
12 adult duos, totaling 24 contestants.
What is the prize?
$3 million (US) for the winning duo.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Wonka’s The Golden Ticket: Inside the crazy Gold Coast set of the new Netflix reality series”
