In a surprising twist of cinematic nostalgia, Warner Bros. has officially unveiled the first trailer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2, set for release in December 2025 — and yes, Johnny Depp is back in the iconic purple coat as Willy Wonka.

Scroll down to the bottom of the article to see the Trailer

The long-anticipated sequel, directed by Tim Burton once again, picks up two decades after Charlie inherited the factory. Now an adult and successful inventor in his own right, Charlie (played by Asa Butterfield) begins to question the legacy he’s been entrusted with. A mysterious malfunction inside the factory prompts the return of the eccentric original owner — Willy Wonka — who emerges from self-imposed exile deep within the sugar caverns.

The teaser, which dropped late Wednesday, features haunting music, a glimpse of the twisted new candy contraptions, and an older but no less unpredictable Wonka. “The factory never forgets,” Depp’s Wonka whispers in the trailer’s closing seconds. Fans immediately noted the darker tone and more surreal visuals — trademarks of Burton’s gothic storytelling.

Newcomers to the cast include Florence Pugh as a rival candy mogul, and Jacob Tremblay as a precocious young apprentice who may or may not be hiding a sinister secret. Helena Bonham Carter also returns in a mysterious role as a ghostly voice echoing through the walls of the chocolate river chamber.

According to the official synopsis, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2 will explore themes of memory, legacy, and the consequences of unchecked imagination. While the original film leaned into whimsy, this installment appears to delve deeper into psychological fantasy — with early footage hinting at scenes bordering on psychological horror.

Fans on social media have expressed overwhelming excitement at Depp’s return. “He’s weird. He’s magical. And he’s BACK,” one fan posted on X.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2 hits theaters worldwide on December 18, 2025.