Sasha Brenden on the Reality of Netflix’s Wonka Competition

Brenden, who entered the nine-episode reality series alongside her best friend of 21 years, Gabrielle Wright, believes their long-standing partnership provided a crucial social edge. While Brenden leaned into her outgoing nature to read the room, Wright provided an analytical counterbalance that helped them navigate the high-pressure environment. Despite this synergy, the show’s design made traditional strategy nearly impossible. Brenden recalled a night spent cramming math and percentages with a fellow contestant in anticipation of a game called the One Percent Club, only to find the next day’s challenge bore no relation to their studies.

Filming took place over a month in Australia, following a whirlwind application process that included multiple Zoom interviews. Once inside the set, which Brenden described as an exact, edible replica of the film’s world, the reality of the competition set in. Contestants faced an environment where 48 people—24 participants and 24 backups—vied for control. Her own exit came down to a missed shot at a spinning Oompa Loompa target, a moment she credits to the game’s intentionally chaotic design. Now back to civilian life, Brenden is focusing on her business, The Beach Bellas, and exploring further opportunities in television while managing her work with the Brenden Mann Foundation.