The Huge Return of Wonka

Ferrero is reopening the gates to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory after purchasing the discontinued Wonka brand as part of its $2.8 billion purchase of Nestlé’s confectionery business in 2018. Marking 2026 as the year of Wonka.

The new relaunch of the iconic candy brand comes the fall of 2026 as Netflix debuts a new reality competition series called, Wonka's The Golden Ticket produced by Eureka Productions. The series premiered on September 23, 2026, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the original 1971 film.

Wonka's The Golden Ticket logo

How the Show Works

• The Contestants: Twelve people find Golden Tickets and bring a partner of their choice inside the factory.

• The Challenges: Pairs face physical, mental, and moral tests inspired by Roald Dahl's story and the 1971 movie.

• The Twist: Unlike the original story, contestants are encouraged to strategize, form alliances, and compete fiercely against each other.

• The Prize: Only one person wins the grand prize of $3 million, paid out as a 30-year salary.

• Special Features: The show uses an artificial intelligence recreation of Gene Wilder's voice to guide players, with approval from his estate.

• Holographic Hosts: Familiar faces like Howie Mandel, Nick Cannon, and Wayne Brady appear as holograms to host the games.

• Location: The life-sized factory set was built at Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland, Australia.

The first seven of its nine episodes are set to be released simultaneously. A two-part finale is set to follow on September 30, 2026.

As for the new candy lineup? It all leans into the magic of the Wonka universe with fun shapes, novel flavor combinations and unexpected textures. The four candies are:

• Magic Hats: Colorful chocolate shells with creamy centers.

• PurplyPurple Tablet: a Milk chocolate Wonka bar with a purple caramel-flavored filling.

• Oompa Loompa Gummies: Gummy treats with a liquid berry-cola center.

• Magic Garden Ropes: Chewy gummy ropes with a tart lemon filling meant to represent grass blades harvested from the factory’s garden.

Ferrero’s research and development team explored new recipes, flavors, shapes and formats inspired by the Wonka world in creating the launch, the company said earlier this month. The company looked to take qualities that helped make the Wonka world distinctive and reimagine them for a new generation.

“What was important to us was to remember that, in the books and films, people loved Wonka products not only because they were zany or strange, but because they were delicious,” Gary Youren, U.K. head of R&D at Ferrero, said in a statement. “We wanted products that tasted great, with some surprising twists.”

The food industry has had a long history with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with the original 1971 film financed by Quaker Oats in exchange for the rights to use the Wonka name. Nestlé took over the Wonka brand in 1988, before phasing it out in 2015 following declining sales. Despite having access to the Brand's iconic treats including "Everlasting Gobstoppers", "Nerds" and "Laffy Taffy".

Ferrero has spent years revitalizing Nestlé’s candy brands, including turning Nerds into the candy aisle’s biggest hit with the introduction of gummy clusters. The company hopes to recreate some of that success with Wonka by leaning on unexpected texture combinations similar to gummy clusters.

“As we begin this exciting new chapter for Wonka, we’re inviting the young at heart to experience the imagination and unexpected delights that have made the brand so beloved, reimagined through a collection of delicious new treats,” Kelly Flaherty, cross category marketing and innovation at Ferrero USA, said in a statement.

Just recently, Entertain MINT uploaded a YouTube short titled, REAL Wonka Chocolate Factory. The video showed a more modern and advanced chocolate factory that is heavily technology influenced to our YouTube channel with remake of the classic tune "Pure Imagination" in the background sung by Timothée Chalamet who played Wonka in the 2023 film. The short received over 39 thousand views and a thousand likes.

Gene Wilder, the man who was nominated for the Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy in 1971 for playing Wonka in the now classic 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, is the subject of a new documentary in the works entitled, WILDER.

The project will tell the story of his rise from comedic actor to leading man with archival footage from throughout his career. It premieres in December 2026 on PBS as apart of their ongoing American Masters series.

The new limited-edition Ferrero Wonka candy line arrives on U.S. store shelves in November 2026.

New Limited-Edition Cinderella Doll Celebrates Walt Disney World’s 55th Anniversary

Disney is celebrating the 55th Anniversary of Walt Disney World with the release of a limited-edition Cinderella doll.

Founded by Walt Disney himself and his brother Roy O. Disney, the park opened on October 1, 1971.

Covering an approximate 27,000 acres (42 sq mi; 109 km2), Walt Disney World contains numerous recreational facilities designed to attract visitors for extended stays, including four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, conference centers, a competitive sports complex and a major shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Additionally, there are 31 Disney-owned resort hotels and one camping resort on the property, and many other non-Disney-operated hotels on and near the property.

Designed to supplement Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which had opened in 1955, the complex was planned and conceptualized by Walt Disney in the 1960s.

Walt's original vision would not progress past conceptualization, as he died on December 15, 1966, during the initial planning of the complex before construction had begun. After his death, Roy, came out of retirement to ensure the project was realized.

Right in the heart of it all is Cinderella Castle at the center of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The Castle is a main symbol of the Walt Disney Company.

That is why the new Cinderella doll is so fitting. Inspired by one of the park’s most beloved opening day attractions, the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, and every single detail of her design pays tribute to the magic of Fantasyland. The doll is officially available for purchase today (September 7, 2026) on DisneyStore.com and will also be available later at select Walt Disney World Resort locations. With only 5,000 made.

Product Design Manager, Harmony Hines-Slattery, gave the inside scoop on how the Cinderella Limited Edition Doll – Walt Disney World 55th Anniversary came to be. So much about how the attraction influenced elements of her ensemble, and was reminded of how every choice makes a difference when it comes to the extreme attention-to-detail the designers showcase here.

And we know that packaging plays an important part – it is not just a box that is meant to transport the doll, but almost becomes a critical set piece to stage her story. Cinderella is presented in window display packaging that reads “Walt Disney World 55th Anniversary,” with golden foil decoration and ribbon ties.

Different materials are used to create the costumes for these dolls, as the variation of textures and colors also helps to tell a striking and stylish story.

Cinderella’s show-stopping ball gown has golden and metallic lavender embroidery, with a sparkling stitched diamond pattern on the skirt, tiny gemstone studs, satin bodice, and sheer organza sleeves.

She has earrings and a necklace, which is inspired by the carved filigree details found around the framework of the attraction.

The heels of her glass slippers are gold tone horses. Cinderella is fully poseable and comes with a certificate of verification and display stand.

Beautiful "C" monograms line the bottom of the magnificent piece with a carousel horse in the center.

2021 saw the release of a Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Cinderella Doll:

The Look: Features a sequined bodice, sheer long sleeves, a layered matte satin skirt with tulle, and an embroidered Cinderella Castle with fireworks detailing. She also holds a golden scepter with a "50" logo.
Details: Stands 17 inches tall, limited to a worldwide release of 10,000 pieces, and includes a display stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Originally retailed for $129.99.
Resale Price: Commonly lists on platforms like Whatnot and eBay for around $190 to $200.

The doll has already been made available for citizens of Australia and New Zealand on September 7, 2026. Now, it's the United States turn. On October 12 at 8 a.m. the doll officially becomes available to USA markets and Disney online stores.

Disney Villains Café

Disney Villains OH MY CAFE opens Thursday September 17, 2026 in the Omotesando Hills, Japan.

The main building B3 cafe runs through Thursday October 22. LTR, which operates OH MY CAFE under Walt Disney Japan's permission, frames the room as a banquet for the villains rather than another cute character cafe. That is the point! You are booking a 770-yen deposit for a dark plate, not a kids' birthday table.

Every savoury plate and both desserts are 1,890 yen including tax. Drinks in the Villain iced line are 1,090 yen. Hot milk, hot rooibos, and hot coffee in the original mug are 690 yen. LTR repeats that the recipes sit inside Disney's nutrition rules, lower salt and lower sugar, the same Disney Check line the company used for Toy Story 5. If you hated that constraint last time, it is still here. If you wanted a heavy cream bomb, this is the wrong basement.

Maleficent's Darkness Open Sandwich puts purple cabbage rapé, shrimp, and potato on campagne, then a bamboo-charcoal white sauce. Scar's Wilderness Spicy Chili Dog is chili beans and chicken, with black mayonnaise as the left-eye scar. Ursula's Deep-Sea Garlic Octopus Open Sandwich is octopus and garlic potato on a dark white sauce. Jafar's Wrap is hummus and spiced chicken in a rice-flour tortilla with cobra-black mayonnaise. Hades' Blue Flame Cream Chicken Sandwich is chicken, mushrooms, and blueberry on an ash-coloured sauce. The Queen's Enchanted Poison Apple Parfait is cassis sherbet and green-apple jelly, more tart than it looks. The Queen of Hearts' Queen Berry French Toast is strawberries and mixed berries with cream.

The experience also offers other goodies. Such as: pins, bags, trading cards, key chains, coffee mugs and golden silverware spoons. All themed with Disney Villains imagery.

The cafe site went live at noon on September 3rd. TableCheck reservations opened at 18:00 that day at 770 yen per person, up to four seats per booking. Use the Tokyo shop link on villains-ohmycafe.ltr-online.com. Pay the deposit, order food on the day, and you get one random mini bromide from nine designs. You cannot pick the print. Walk-up seats exist in theory. The operator points day-of seat and goods status to the @omc_storeinfo account, the same pattern as Toy Story 5. If you are travelling from outside Tokyo, do not bet on a walk-up Saturday in October.

Omotesando Station A2 is the cleanest drop. Meiji-Jingumae exit 4 also works. The cafe is B3 of the main building at 4-12-10 Jingumae, not the separate Hills annex. Weekend queues for the previous cafe spilled into the corridor. Budget extra time for the elevator.

Straw charms in 12 random designs are 660 yen, sold only with a drink, up to 12 per drink. Teaspoons in three designs are 1,100 yen with a drink, one of each design per drink. The mug is 2,200 yen with a drink, one per drink. Cafe-only goods without a drink: stickers 15 random, 605 yen. Big glitter can badges 13 random, 880 yen. Villains kinchaku 1,540 yen. Compact mirror 2,200 yen. Acrylic keyholders 5 random, 825 yen. Stitch in villain costume kinchaku 1,540 yen. Lunch tote 2,200 yen. Online goods ran from 18:00 on 3 September through 23:59 on 22 October at ltr-online.com/shops/villains-ohmycafe.

Bath & Body Works 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Collection

The special-edition Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas collection has debuted yesterday August 16th for Bath & Body Works rewards members.

Entertain MINT gif

Today, August 17th the collection becomes available for all consumers online and in stores across the U.S. and Canada.

International rollout will begin August 23rd across stores.

In February 16, 2025 Bath and Body Works released their first Disney Princess Collection. Filled with Body sprays, candles, hand sanitizer and more.

The success of the collaboration with Disney, was followed by a September 3, 2025 release of a Disney Villains collection with Evil Queen and Maleficent and another Disney Princess release in early 2026.

The NEW 2026 collection introduces two all-new fragrances inspired by Halloween favorites Jack Skellington and Sally.

The two characters originate from Tim Burton’s Disney classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, a first for an animated film. Its musical composer, Danny Elfman was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.

Sally hand soap

In 2023, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."

Each scent is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the characters’ distinct personalities while bringing the whimsical spirit of the beloved film into the everyday routines of fans and collectors. Just in time for Halloween!

“Fragrance is one of the most powerful ways to tell a story, and this collection allowed us to tap into the enchanting world of The Nightmare Before Christmas through scent,” said Kristie Lewis, executive vice president, merchandising at Bath & Body Works.

Jack Skellington candle

 “By combining Bath & Body Works’ expertise in translating beloved stories into immersive sensory experiences with Disney’s world-class storytelling, every detail immerses fans in a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience inspired by the film, from Jack Skellington’s warm mystery to Sally’s bright and whimsical spirit.”

 “The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a cultural touchstone, captivating generations of fans with its distinctive storytelling and imaginative world,” said Liz Shortreed, senior vice president of the Americas, Disney Consumer Products.

Jack Skellington body cream

“This collection with Bath & Body Works honors the film’s enduring legacy while creating fresh opportunities for fans to connect with the spirit of Halloween Town through products inspired by the charm of this beloved classic.”

 

 About the Fragrances

Bath & Body Works perfumers masterfully crafted each fragrance to translate the personalities and emotions of Halloween Town’s most recognizable characters into scent.

Jack Skellington – A warm, woody fragrance with notes of pumpkin screams, glowing palo santo and spooky spiced vanilla.

Jack Skellington body wash

Sally – A bright, fruity fragrance with notes of ghastly blooms, berry patchwork and forbidden tonka. Both fragrances will be available in ultimate hydration body cream, body wash, fine fragrance mist, 3-wick candle, layered wax single wick candle, foaming hand soap and PocketBac hand sanitizer.

Sally wick candle

The full product list can be found below:

• Jack Skellington 3-Wick Candle - $24.95

• Jack Skellington & Sally Coin Purse - $16.95

• Jack Skellington & Sally Hands Pedestal 3-Wick Candle Holder - $59.95

• Jack Skellington & Sally Tote Bag - $39.95

• Jack Skellington Body Wash - $15.95

• Jack Skellington Fine Fragrance Mist - $17.95 

• Jack Skellington Gentle & Clean Foaming Hand Soap - $8.95

• Jack Skellington Nightlight Wallflower Fragrance Plug - $19.95

• Jack Skellington PocketBac Hand Sanitizer - $1.95

• Jack Skellington Single Wick Candle - $16.95

• Jack Skellington Ultimate Hydration Body Cream - $17.95

• Light-Up Oogie Boogie PocketBac Holder - $14.95

• Light-Up Zero PocketBac Holder - $15.95

• Mayor of Halloween Town PocketBac Holder - $12.95

• Sally 3-Wick Candle - $24.95

• Sally Body Wash - $15.95

• Sally Fine Fragrance Mist - $17.95

• Sally Gentle & Clean Foaming Hand Soap - $8.95

• Sally Single Wick Candle - $16.95

• Spiral Hill Light-Up Pedestal 3-Wick Candle Holder - $79.95

• Zero Gentle & Clean Foaming Hand Soap Dispenser - $29.95

The cultural phenomenon's cult following is sure to enjoy these scary treats for this years spooky season!

CGI vs. AI: Understanding the Difference

We recently touched a similar topic in a February 2023 article putting CGI and 3D up against the classic 2D-hand drawn format.

Now fast forwarding to current times, with the steady rise of a new animation format called, AI, we are pitting CGI against a different type of beast.

As technology continues to evolve, two terms are becoming increasingly common in conversations about movies, art, gaming, and digital media: CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) and AI (Artificial Intelligence). Although they are sometimes used together, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference helps explain how modern digital content is created.

What Is CGI?

CGI stands for Computer-Generated Imagery. It refers to digital images, animations, and visual effects created by artists using computer software. CGI has been used for decades in films, television, video games, architecture, advertising, and product design.

Creating CGI is often a hands-on process. Artists use programs to model 3D objects, apply textures, create lighting, animate characters, and render final images. Every detail—from a character's facial expression to the lighting in a scene—can be carefully controlled by the creator.

Examples of CGI include:

• Animated movies.
• Realistic dinosaurs and superheroes in blockbuster films.
• Video game environments and characters.
• Digital architectural visualizations.

CGI relies heavily on human creativity, artistic skill, and technical expertise.

What Is AI?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. These tasks can include recognizing patterns, understanding language, generating images, composing music, answering questions, and making predictions.

Unlike traditional CGI workflows, AI learns from large amounts of data. Instead of an artist creating every detail manually, AI can generate content based on prompts, examples, or training.

Examples of AI include:

• Image generators that create artwork from text descriptions.
• Chatbots that answer questions.
• Voice assistants.

Software that can recognize faces or translate languages.

AI focuses on learning, automation, and decision-making rather than manually building every element.

The Biggest Differences

Although both technologies use computers, they serve different purposes.

CGI is about creating digital visuals through artistic design and animation. It depends on artists directing every aspect of the final product.

AI is about teaching computers to perform intelligent tasks, including generating new content based on patterns learned from data.

In simple terms:

• CGI is a creative production tool.
• AI is an intelligent computing technology.

Can CGI and AI Work Together?

Absolutely. Modern productions are increasingly combining both technologies.

For example, AI can:

• Speed up animation workflows.
• Help remove backgrounds or unwanted objects.
• Generate concept art for artists.
• Improve motion capture and facial animation.

Meanwhile, CGI artists refine, edit, and polish AI-generated material to achieve the final professional result.

Rather than replacing CGI, AI is becoming another tool that artists can use.

Which One Is Better?

Neither technology is inherently better because they solve different problems.

CGI offers unmatched artistic precision and complete creative control, making it ideal for blockbuster films, video games, and high-end animation.

AI excels at generating ideas quickly, automating repetitive tasks, and assisting creators with content generation.

The future of digital media will likely rely on both technologies working together, combining the imagination of human artists with the speed and efficiency of artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

CGI and AI represent two different branches of modern technology. CGI focuses on crafting digital images and visual effects through artistic effort, while AI enables computers to learn, reason, and generate content in ways that imitate aspects of human intelligence.

As both technologies continue to advance, they are becoming powerful partners. Together, they are transforming filmmaking, gaming, advertising, education, design, and countless other industries, opening new possibilities for creativity and innovation.

'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' 30th Anniversary Celebrations

 Disney's seventh film released during it's "Renaissance" period, is marking its 30th Anniversary!

About The Film

Released in 1996, Disney’s adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a major commercial triumph, grossing over $325 million worldwide. It utilized an epic Broadway-style score, launched a $40 million marketing campaign, and generated an incredible $500 million in profit from consumer products and spin-offs by 1997.

Promotional Poster For the Film

It redefined the boundaries of a family-friendly film by tackling dark, complex themes—including religious hypocrisy, systemic prejudice, and sexual obsession—while showcasing sweeping, operatic music.

The film was artistically significant because it elevated hand-drawn animation with unprecedented grandeur, marrying massive Gothic architecture with groundbreaking digital technology to create one of the most visually stunning, operatic, and ambitious films in animation history.

Notre-Dame de Paris was the main inspiration behind the cathedral drawn for the project.

The animation treated the Notre-Dame Cathedral not just as a setting, but as a living. A character of its own. Artists utilized sweeping, dramatic camera movements and masterful lighting to emphasize the scale, shadow, and majesty of the Gothic architecture, echoing Victor Hugo’s original 1831 novel, which was written as a passionate plea to preserve the building.

The movie was a milestone for blending traditional 2D, hand-drawn animation with computer-generated imagery (CGI). Thus helping pioneer the use of CGI in the film and animation industry's.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Artists used digital crowd simulation software to populate the bustling Festival of Fools, giving background characters individual movements without compromising the film’s detailed artistic aesthetic.

The film is now considered one of Disney's best films of all time.

30th Anniversary Collection

Disney store AD

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) 30th Anniversary Collection was released exclusively on the Disney Store website.

A few items will be released within a "limited release" time frame, featuring a specially curated line of merchandise. Some of which are already a "bestseller".

A yellow Spirit Jersey that was announced earlier this month, is scheduled to be released on June 16th.

• The Hunchback design features an ombre effect from golden yellow at the top to sunset orange, and finally bright red along the bottom. On the back of the shirt, it reads “One Day, Out There” in the upper and middle back, surrounded by festive confetti. Below the quote is a graphic of Quasimodo and Esmeralda swinging on a rope.

Other items Include . . . 

Hunchback Mug

• Character portrait artwork highlighted against tonal purple sketch-style backgrounds and rich jewel tones

• Contrasting interior

• Surprise and delight artwork inside featuring the three gargoyles

• Tall mug shape

• Gloss finish

Djali Plush

 

• Detailed plush sculpting

• Embroidered features

• Soft stuffed

• Made from polyester

Limited Release Cloisonné Pin

• "30 Years'' logo at corner 

• Enameled cloisonné

• Laser print detailing

• Enclosed glitter accents

• Nickel finish

• Disney Pin Trading 2026 backstamp

• Mickey icon pinbacks

• Comes on custom commemorative Disney Pins card 

All Items are also available across both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort theme parks.

The Official Unofficial Fan Celebration

You're invited to watch "The Official Unofficial Fan Celebration for the 30th Anniversary of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame" on Saturday, June 20th starting at 2:00pm EST!

This online event will be livestreamed on the YouTube channel: Hunchback30thAnniversary. If you're not able to join us, don't worry! The event will be recorded and kept on YouTube.

The special guests have agreed to share their insights and experiences working on the iconic animated film.

Special Guests Include:

⚜️ Don Hahn (Producer)

⚜️ Kirk Wise (Director)

⚜️ Gary Trousdale* (Director)

⚜️ Tab Murphy (Screenwriter)

⚜️ Stephen Schwartz (Lyricist)

⚜️ Kathy Zielinski (Supervising Animator, Frollo)

*Gary Trousdale is unavailable to attend the livestream, but he will be pre-recording an interview.

Mr. Trousdale's Interview