Summary
Wonkadirector Paul King set some details straight about the project and how it may differ from what fans might expect to see from the franchise.
Wonkais set byWarner Bros. Pictures as a prequel to the story told in award-winning author Roald Dahl’s 1964 workCharlie and the Chocolate Factory,which itself has already been adapted for the big screen twice in Warner Bros.' catalog, with Gene Wilder and Johhny Depp playing the role of the eccentric Willy Wonka in the 1971 and 2005 adaptations respectively. Taking place long before the events of that story,Wonkafollows the iconic chocolatier on his journey to become the man audiences know and love from the original story, with Timothée Chalamet in the lead role alongside many other exciting cast members, includingSally Hawkins and Oliva Colman.
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After theWonkarelease date was pushed backto December of 2023 by Warner Bros., the film is finally close to debuting for fans everywhere to enjoy, and director King wants fans to temper certain expectations they might have about the film before seeing it. Taking a recent interview withTotal Filmas an opportunity to clear the air, King discussed the musical nature of the production and how it affected the actual categorization of his film. “The Oompa Loompas sing a lot in the book, and Dahl always uses poetry,” the director conceded before clarifying. “But I didn’t want it to just become a musical where people are singing dialogue to each other for no discernible reason. I felt like it was more like a movie with songs than a musical."
While the director makes the distinction clear, there will still be great value in the music featured in the film, especially from leading man Chalamet, who has receivedpraise for his performance as Willy Wonkafrom co-star Coleman. “[Chalamet]’s got a beautiful singing voice,” King noted, echoing sentiments from others about the star’s considerable vocal talent, which will be on full display in the film. “The person it reminded me of was Bing Crosby. There’s quite a range, because it does go from a couple of bigger, showstopper-y sort of things, to moments of real, pure emotion and he can do it all… I’m going to sound like a crazed fan.”
While some fans might be disappointed that the project won’t be a full-on musical despite the vocal talent and range available to the film’s leading man, there is still a lot to be excited about concerning Chalamet’s performance, which co-starKeegan-Michael Key has praised as dripping with charisma. As an origin story for the over-the-top character,Wonkaprovides audiences with more than just catchy songs.
That said, even this character-building element is only one of severalreasons why theWonkamovie could be greatwhen it is released in conventional theatrical form alongside Dolby Cinemas and IMAX. With new adaptations of Roald Dahl’s works coming to Netflix, King’s film might establish a standard for many more projects.
