Timothée Chalamet inWonka(2023).Photo: Wonka Warner Bros. Pictures/Instagram
Willy Wonka fans are in for a sweet treat!
In January 2021, news broke that Warner Brothers wasmoving forward with plansfor aCharlie and the Chocolate Factoryprequel:Wonka. The film had already been in development for years, withFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themproducer David Heyman, and others, signing onback in 2016. This is the third time the studio has adaptedRoald Dahl’s classic story.
It waslater announcedthatTimothée Chalametwould play the role of young Willy Wonka, marking the first time the heartthrob would sing and dance on film. In October 2021, the actorgave fans a first lookat his character in a since-deleted Instagram post, which featured Chalamet in a brown top hat and purple coat. “The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last … 🏭WONKA🍫,” He wrote in the caption, a nod toGene Wilder’s line inWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
TheOscarnominee went on to say that he performsseven musical numbersin the film, an exciting challenge for theDuneactor. “I hate to say it, but the dream as an artist is to throw whatever the f— you want at the wall, you know?” he said. “And I guess what I’m realizing is that one’s personal life, one’s adult life, can be quite boring and the artist’s life can still be extraordinary.”
Here’s everything to know about theWonkamovie.
What isWonkaabout?
Finnbarr Webster/Getty
While plot details forWonkahave yet to be revealed, the upcoming musical will center on a young Willy Wonka before he grows into the legendary chocolatier depicted in Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel,Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
During CinemaCon in April 2022, fans got a peek into Chalamet’s version of the candy maker when Warner Brothers showed the exclusive first footage of the film, featuring Chalamet asking, “Is everybody ready?” and then tap dancing on a table,Varietyreported.
According toDeadline, the video ended with Chalamet reading from a candy wrapper: “It’s not the chocolate that matters. It’s the people you share it with.”
Who is in the cast?
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic ; Jeff Spicer/Getty ; Mike Coppola/Getty
The film will also feature Jim Carter, Matt Lucas, Calah Lane, Natasha Rothwell and others.
Costar Key spoke about Chalamet’s performance toThe Hollywood Reporterin November 2022, saying, “There’s this wonderful effortlessness about how he plays Wonka.” Key also said the actor “drips charisma and a wonderful confidence. He’s just a really delicious artist.”
King alsopraised the actorin an Interview with PEOPLE published July 2023. “I think what’s so remarkable about his performance is not only that he is funny and mischievous and quite mysterious, as well — just like the Willy Wonka that people will know — but also, he brings such heart to the role and he’s a brilliant actor,” King said.
In an interview withRolling Stone, the director spoke about Chalamet again, revealing that the actor washis first choicefor the role of Willy Wonka. “It was a straight offer because he’s great and he was the only person in my mind who could do it,” King explained. “But because he’s Timothée Chalamet and his life is so absurd, his high school musical performances are on YouTube and have hundreds of thousands of views.”
At CinemaCon 2023 in April, it was announced thatHugh Grantwill appear in the film as one of Willy Wonka’s Oompa Loompas.
“I think it’s the first time people sawHugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa,” Chalamet said after an audience watched an unreleased trailer. “It was a trip. Hugh is one of our greats … it was a dream to work with him.”
Jaap Buittendijk/Warner Bros.
Fans got another lookat Grant as an Oompa Loompa in July 2023 when PEOPLE shared exclusive photos from the film, including one still of Grant in costume standing in a jar.
Who is directingWonka?
Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty
Is there a trailer for Wonka?
Thefirst trailerforWonkawas released in July 2023. The clip begins with Chalamet saying, “I’ve spent the past seven years traveling the world perfecting my craft,” as he’s seen sailing on a boat and then exploring a jungle. “You see, I’m something of a magician, inventor and chocolate maker,” he adds.
Where isWonkabeing filmed?
In October 2021, ChalamettoldTIMEthat he’d done some recording for the movie at London’s iconic Abbey Road studio. In February 2022, Chalamet wasphotographed filmingin Oxford, England.
When willWonkabe released?
Spartacus/SplashNews.com
While the film was originally set to hit theaters on March 17, 2023, Warner Brothers announced at CinemaCon 2022 thatWonka’s release date was pushed to Dec. 15, 2023.
source: people.com
