The chocolate river is flowing, the Oompa-Loompas are back, and 12 Golden Ticket winners are heading into Wonka’s factory for more than just a tour on Netflix’s “Wonka’s the Golden Ticket.” The new reality series follows real-life Golden Ticket winners and a partner of their choosing as they face games, temptations, and surprises that test more than speed or quick thinking. Only one contestant will reach the end and win Wonka’s $3 million prize. Want to learn more? Consider this your go-to resource for everything contestants need to know about the upcoming series and other reality TV casting opportunities.
Netflix’s “Wonka’s the Golden Ticket” premieres Sept. 23, with a two-part finale on Sept. 30.
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Winning a Golden Ticket gets you through the gate. What happens next depends entirely on Wonka.
Twelve ticket holders and their partners compete inside a 40,000-square-foot chocolate factory, facing challenges that test both their judgment and physical skills. The competition forces them to adapt, strategize, and handle whatever Wonka’s unpredictable world throws at them.
Inside the factory, contestants will encounter a chocolate river, lickable wallpaper, and a reimagined Wonkavision. Wonkavision 2.0 games include “Wheel of Misfortune,” “Bubble Jeopardy,” and “Steal or No Steal.”
Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal,” “America’s Got Talent”), Nick Cannon (“The Masked Singer,” “America’s Got Talent”), and Wayne Brady (“Let’s Make a Deal,” “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!”) appear as holograms to host the games.
Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa-Loompa in the original film, returns to the factory over 50 years later, now joined by his son, Ben Goffe.
Showrunners Alison Holloway and Emer Harkin were looking for authenticity when finding the show’s contestants. “We were also looking really closely at the significant other they bring into the factory. Every one had to be a strong and compelling character,” Holloway explained.
The 12 Golden Ticket holders and their partners are:
Marcy, 63, retired, and JoAnne, 60, homemaker
Shawn, 64, special education teacher, and Garrison, 30, partner marketing manager
Ray, 79, retired, and Jackson, 25, bartender
Bill, 63, retired, and Kayla, 34, consultant
Tatum, 27, fashion consultant and social media manager, and Kellye, 61, professional singer, actor, and musician
Everett, 36, travel advisor and marketing director, and James, 38, human resources manager
Bryce, 22, roofer, and Taylor, 23, phlebotomist
Nick, 37, DJ, and Jason, 49, DJ and event company owner
Gabrielle, 22, DJ and choreographer, and Sasha, 24, entrepreneur
Ziad, 32, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle coach, and Austin, 29, content creator
Ava, 25, creative producer, and Jeffrey, 69, business owner
Moon, 29, a singer, and Hunter, 31, a general contractor
The Oompa-Loompa cast includes:
- Rusty Goffe
- Ben Goffe
- Mitchell Marion
- Tiffany Sarich
- Beccy Benjamin
- Ash Hodgkinson
- Dane Noonan
- Daniel Stone
- Alivia McCarthy
Credit: James Gourley/Netflix
Bobby Silva and Adam Mada cast the series. Silva’s reality competition credits include “Squid Game: The Challenge,” “Million Dollar Secret,” “Race to Survive,” and “The Mole.”
Looking to improve your reality TV audition skills? Start here:
- What Top Reality Show Casting Directors Really Look For
- A CD on What to Know About Getting Cast on a Reality Competition Show
- How to Get on Reality TV
Season 2 of Netflix’s “Wonka’s the Golden Ticket” hasn’t been announced just yet. But for those hoping to catch their big break on reality TV, here are other casting opportunities to consider:
Looking for even more opportunities? Explore these directories, which are updated regularly:
And here are audition tips to boost your chances of landing a spot on reality TV:
