Willy Wonka is hitting our movie screens once again. This time, we get to see the famous chocolatier's origin story in a dedicated movie entitled Wonka.
The movie, being produced by Warner Brothers, was actually first announced in January 2021. But before that, the film had actually been in development for years.
This movie marks the third time the classic Roald Dahl book has been adapted into a film.
Table of Contents
- Wonka Release Date: When is Wonka Coming Out?
- Wonka Cast: Who Stars in Wonka?
- Wonka Crew: Who are the Creative Minds Behind the Scenes?
- Is Wonka Connected to the Previous Versions of Roald Dahl Films?
- Is Wonka a Musical?
- Wonka Plot: What Will Happen in Wonka?
- Where Can You Watch Wonka?
- Wonka Trailer: Is There A Trailer For Wonka?
WARNING: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Wonka, so READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Wonka Release Date: When is Wonka Coming Out?
Although Warner Brothers announced the film in January 2021, they have actually been developing the movie longer than that. It was also revealed that the main cast filmed in London in October 2021.
Originally, the film was set for release on March 17, 2023. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a struggle with audiences returning to cinemas.
And now at CinemaCon 2022, it was revealed that Wonka will be coming out to theaters on December 15, 2023.
Wonka Cast: Who Stars in Wonka?
Shortly after the movie was announced, Warner Bros revealed that the titular role will be played by Timothée Chalamet. This is the first time the actor will be singing and dancing on film.
Chalamet gave his Instagram followers a glimpse of himself in the iconic character's outfit: a brown top hat and purple coat. The actor also paid homage to the role popularized by Gene Wilder with his caption:
"The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last … 🏭WONKA🍫"
Unfortunately, his casting was met with criticism. Chalamet spoke up about these comments and said:
"I hate to say it, but the dream as an artist is to throw whatever the f--- you want at the wall, you know? 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."
Apart from Chalamet, the film stars some veteran actors in Hollywood, such as:
- Keegan-Michael Key
- Rowan Atkinson
- Olivia Colman
- Sally Hawkins (as Wonka's mother)
- Matt Lucas
- Jim Carter
- Calah Lane
- Natasha Rothwell
- Rich Fulcher
Surprisingly, it was revealed during April's CinemaCon 2023 that Hugh Grant will be joining the cast as one of Wonka's Oompa Loompas.
After the big revelation, Chalamet said:
"I think it's the first time people saw Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa. It was a trip. Hugh is one of our greats … it was a dream to work with him."
Wonka Crew: Who are the Creative Minds Behind the Scenes?
The film is directed by Paul King, who is also responsible behind the success of Paddington. Key spoke highly of the director to Hollywood Reporter and said that King was "a delightful human being who has this wonderful, childlike heart. He was the perfect person to direct the project."
The screenplay of Wonka was written by King, Simon Farnaby, and Simon Rich. The film is being produced by David Heyman and Luke Kelly.
The executive producers of Wonka are Michael Siegel and Alexandra Derbyshire.
Is Wonka Connected to the Previous Versions of Roald Dahl Films?
As explained by Warner Bros., Wonka is a reboot. This means that it is not connection to the Willy Wonka roles that either Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp played in the past.
The character comes from Roald Dahl's children's novel released in 1964, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
After the book came out, it was adapted into a movie, entitled Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which Gene Wilder starred in.
A second film, entitled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was released with Johnny Depp playing a quirky version of the role.
Is Wonka a Musical?
In his interview with TIME magazine, Chalamet confirmed that Wonka is a musical movie.
He has recorded seven musical numbers for the film, some of which were recorded at Abbey Road.
Here's a glimpse of the actor in his element:
Wonka Plot: What Will Happen in Wonka?
It's important to note that this upcoming Wonka film is a prequel of any of the previous movies. It is an origin story of Willy Wonka and how he became the eclectic chocolatier we know today.
In the previous film, we know that Wonka had a very strict father who was a dentist. Because of this, he was deprived of being able to try anything sweet.
When he was finally able to sink his teeth into chocolate, Willy immediately fell in love with the confection. This led him to run away from home and break free of his father's chains.
Now in the upcoming Wonka movie, we don't know yet if this narrative will be included in the story. But it's interesting to see how Willy becomes a chocolatier. More importantly, how he discovers the Oompa Loompas.
During CinemaCon, Chalamet read from a candy wrapper:
"It's not the chocolate that matters. It's the people you share it with."
Where Can You Watch Wonka?
Warner Bros. will be making Wonka available to watch through theaters on December 15, 2023.
It's possible that the film will be available to stream on Max by spring 2024.
Wonka Trailer: Is There A Trailer For Wonka?
Right now, there is no official trailer of Wonka available. But it's possible that a trailer will be released soon.
In the meantime, here's the original Willy Wonka, Gene Wilder, singing Pure Imagination in the movie:
Wonka is coming out in theaters on December 15, 2023.
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