Not many are probably aware of this bit, but 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, both considered cult classics were actually based on the classic Roald Dahl children's book. Now, the question is, is the Wonka movie based on the classic children's novel, too?
Is the Wonka Movie Based on Roald Dahl's Book or the Movies?
Wonka movie director Paul King previously told Rolling Stone that the film is a "companion" to the original novel and the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie.
Essentially, the story behind the new Wonka film hasn't exactly been written by the original author, nor has it been a featured plotline in the previous movies.
If anything, the least we got about the genius chocolatier was in the 2005 film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, whereby Johnny Depp's version of the titular character showed glimpses of his backstory.
However, what remains to be seen is whether the Wonka film plans on keeping this backstory or not, especially since the 2005 film featured Wonka's father working as a dentist, while the new Wonka movie has his mother encouraging him to pursue his dream.
It doesn't come as a surprise that the Wonka movie is an original story written from scratch.
Timothée Chalamet will be portraying the younger version of the genius chocolate factory creator before his realization of wanting to pass on his inheritance to kids.
So, basically, the Wonka movie is his long-overdue origin story made specially to spotlight how Willy Wonka kickstarted his career in the chocolate industry.
RELATED: Wonka: Is the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Spinoff a Prequel or a Reboot?
The Wonka Movie's Connection To the Older Movies Explained
The Wonka movie is set to release on December 15th, and you might be wondering if it would be even worth watching, considering that the original movies already exist.
Well, here's the thing: the Wonka movie is an all-new origin story for Willy Wonka before building the biggest chocolate factory in the world before he created a whole game of how to decide which kid would get to inherit the factory from him.
So, Chalamet's portrayal would likely feature how big of a difference Wonka was from his older self in the original films. He is filled with delight and positivity all around him in getting to choose his destiny to make kids happy.
What his story could be about is the struggles behind building his company origins.
With Hugh Grant as an (or one of the) Oompa Loompa willing to set his career alongside the big boss, this could provide a clearer description of where the Oompa Loompas came from, why they merely seek cocoa, and more.
Not to mention, the reason why Willy Wonka chose a child to inherit his chocolate factory instead of businessmen who would be as interested in the job at a much more suitable pace than a child.
READ NEXT: Wonka Movie Age Rating Guide: Is the Prequel Suitable For Kids?
Interested in more Wonka news stories? Check out more here on EpicStream!
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!