Warner Bros.and the Roald Dahl Story Co. have been in the planning stages of a new film that tells the origin story ofWilly Wonka, the famous factory owner in Dahl’sCharlie and the Chocolate Factory. The studio has now decided on buzzworthy actor Timothée Chalamet for the coveted role of Willy Wonka in the prequel film.
Chalamet has made waves since appearing in his first short films in 2008. Since then, he’s worked with Christopher Nolan inInterstellarand even earned an Oscar nomination forCall Me By Your Name. The young actor has quickly risen to modern celebrity status and, after a lengthy period of avoiding franchise material, he is now stepping into that sphere by starring inthe upcomingDuneremake. Chalamet has also shown off his chops for comedic parts by appearing as a host onSaturday Night Liveand securing a role in Wes Anderson’s next film,The French Dispatch.
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Now, Deadline reports Chalamet will have a chance to make a bigger splash with viewers by starring inWonkafor Warner Bros. This is Warner Bros.' first collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Co. sinceRobert Zemeckis’The Witchesremake. Though this is Warner’s third attempt at a film based onCharlieand the Chocolate Factory, this is the first time a movie based on a Roald Dahl property is telling a story that doesn’t directly originate from one of his books. Charlie Bucket, the titular boy of Dahl’s book, will not be featured inWonka, as the film will reveal howWonkabecame the chocolatier that audiences and readers have come to know and love.
Furthermore,Wonkais said to give Chalamet his first on-screen chance to show off his talent as a singer since the film will reportedly feature multiple musical numbers. Chalamet isn’t the only buzzworthy name attached to the Willy Wonka film.Paddingtonhelmer Paul King will be the director, as well as a co-writer of the script alongside Simon Farnaby.Wonkais Paul King’s first notable directorial position since hisPaddingtonfilms and episodes of theSteve Carell seriesSpace Forcefor Netflix.
After the lukewarm reception towards the recent remake ofThe Witches, Warner Bros. has found their chance to revitalize the financial viability of their Roald Dahl properties. Furthermore, Chalamet is anexciting choice for the role of Willy Wonka, and fans will be eager to compare his performance to those of Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder.
Wonkais early in development and is set to release sometime in 2023—though there is no confirmation on whether the release will be theatrical or straight to streaming on HBO Max. The prequel is set to begin filming in the coming months.
Wonkais in development at Warner Bros.
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