What role will Timothée Chalamet have in the prequel for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?
Stories, especially tales from our childhood, tend to hold a special place in our hearts. For some it’s an escape to worlds beyond filled with wonder and excitement.
For Roald Dahl’s stories this holds especially true. Many of his tales champion the kind-hearted and explore a world where magic and mythical creatures exist. Now, one of his beloved tales is getting a prequel.
Timothée Chalamet will star as a younger version of Willy Wonka “the amazing chocolatier”. In recent years Timothée Chalamet has been praised for his portrayals of various characters. The actor has even received a number of awards and nominations for his work. These include an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in Call Me by Your Name and two Golden Globe nominations, with the latest being for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture in Beautiful Boy.
Timothée Chalamet will join the ranks of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp who have also played the eccentric chocolate maker. Gene Wilder played the role in the 1971 film adaptation whilst Johnny Depp portrayed the character in the 2005 version.
Details
So, what can we expect from the prequel of this beloved children’s novel? Timothée Chalamet will potentially be singing and dancing within the film. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for films based on the novel. Past adaptations had the Oompa Loompas performing several musical numbers. Additionally, the 1971 version had several of the characters singing at various points in the film. Notable performances include Aubrey Woods’ ‘The Candy Man’ and Gene Wilder’s ‘Pure Imagination’.
Currently only a few details are known about the prequel. Titled Wonka, Paul King will be directing the film. Some of his credits include Paddington and its sequel Paddington 2. The screenplay will be written by comedian Simon Farnaby who has also had a number of roles in T.V. series. These include the comical Horrible Histories and most recently Ghosts. Simon Farnaby has also worked with Paul King in Paddington 2. Information surrounding the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel’s story are scarce however. Though, this isn’t the first time the chocolatier’s past has been explored. The 2005 adaptation also delved into Willy Wonka’s past through flashbacks. These flashbacks looked into Willy Wonka’s complicated history with his father, and additionally, how he met the Oompa Loompas.
Wonka is expected to hit theatres on the 17th of March 2023.
How do you feel about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory receiving a prequel? What are your hopes for the film? Let us know in the comments below
Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Alchemy Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!