The whimsical world of Willy Wonka returns to the screens of British viewers with the digital UK release of Wonka, and is now available to watch on TV via digital streaming – less than two months after its release in local cinemas.
This much-anticipated prequel, directed by Paul King, unveils the untold story of the young chocolatier, played by Timothée Chalamet.
The musical has been a box-office success, garnering over £53 million in the UK and Ireland alone. Globally, the film has earned over $509 million, indicating its widespread appeal.
After that impressive theatrical run, the film is now available to buy or rent on Amazon’s Prime Video and other digital VOD stores, since January 22, 2024.
You can either buy the film and keep it (£19.99 as of this writing) or rent it for 48 hours for £15.99.
Wonka was released in UK cinemas on December 8, 2023. Therefore, its streaming release date is just 45 days after its theatrical release – which is quite a short cinema-to-home window.
Somewhat surprisingly, the film became available to buy OR rent (digitally) on the same day – which is good news for viewers.
DVD and Blu-ray editions will be released on March 4 in the UK (see below for the full extras list).
In the US, the film will also, at a later date, stream on Max (formerly HBO Max), the subscription-based streaming service, at no extra cost to subscribers.
In the UK, it’s still unclear where it will end up – but Warner Bros. films usually show up on Sky (see more on that below).
Wonka introduces Willy Wonka, an aspiring magician, inventor, and chocolatier, who arrives in Europe with dreams of establishing his chocolate shop.
The film takes us through his struggles and adventures, including his encounters with rival chocolatiers, his capture and forced labour in a launderette, and his eventual triumph over adversity.
Wonka is a story of determination, friendship, and the magic of chocolate, appealing to a diverse audience of all ages.
In addition to Timothée Chalamet (as Willy Wonka), the film also boasts an ensemble cast including Olivia Colman, Rowan Atkinson, and Hugh Grant.
How To Watch Wonka Online In The UK
Wonka became available to stream on digital platforms in the UK on January 22, 2024.
You can buy and stream it on Amazon’s Prime Video store, Apple’s iTunes, Rakuten TV, Sky Store and other streaming video stores, by using a streaming device (or a Smart TV) to watch the film on your telly.
The price is currently £19.99 for a Digital Purchase – meaning you get to own it, and watch it as many times as you want.
The price is similar to other high-profile films from recent times – Barbie, for example, was also £19.99 when it was first released for digital purchase (but Barbie has since gone down to £13.99 for a full purchase).
You can also rent the film for a lower cost (currently £15.99), which then gives you 48 hours to watch, from the moment you start playing it.
Less than two months after the film’s theatrical release (in the UK), Wonka’s digital release window is quite short – as some other recent hit films took quite a while longer to reach home streaming.
Top Gun: Maverick which was also very popular in cinemas, came to streaming 91 days after its original release date – and Avatar 2 took 109 days.
The aforementioned Barbie took just 53 days – but Wonka’s window is even shorter at 45 days.
Wonka DVD and Blu-ray Editions
Physical editions (DVD and Ultra HD Blu-ray) of Wonka will be released on March 4 – you can already preorder them on Amazon.
Wonka Steelbook, 4K UHD and Blu-ray will contain the following special features:
Unwrapping Wonka: Paul King’s Vision
Revered director Paul King takes you on a deep dive into his experience adapting the beloved story of Wonka.
The Whimsical Music of Wonka
Composer Joby Talbot and songwriter Neil Hannon take you into the studio to illuminate the craft behind the wondrous songs of the film.
Welcome to Wonka Land
Production designer Nathan Crowley and the rest of the Wonka crew discuss creating the magical sets that transport audiences to the worlds of the film.
Hats Off to Wonka
Costume designer Lindy Hemming breaks down the inspiration and intention behind each of the character’s wonderful costumes.
Wonka’s Chocolatier
Chocolatier Gabriella Cugno provides an in-depth look at the creation of the beautiful chocolates seen in Wonka.
Will Wonka Come To Netflix/Disney+/Sky in the UK?
Typically, films tend to jump from digital VOD stores to subscription-based streaming services a few months after they’re released for purchasing (though sometimes it takes even longer).
In the US, Wonka will be coming to the Max streaming service soon (a date hasn’t been announced yet) – but alas, Max isn’t available in the UK (that is, unless you use a VPN).
However, in the UK, new WarnerBros films tend to end up on Sky and their streaming service, NOW – and not on Netflix or Disney+.
That was the case with The Suicide Squad, Dune, The Matrix Resurrections and others.
Therefore, it’s likely we will see Wonka on Sky and NOW in a few months – but that is yet to be confirmed.
- This article was originally published on January 17, and then updated with new information.