MovieWeb - Wonka (2023)

Wonka: Jackass Star Jason "Wee Man" Acuna Shares His Criticism of Hugh Grant's Oompa Loompa Casting

Shari Hirsch — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 21:09:21 GMT

Jackass star Jason "Wee Man" Acuña recently criticized Hugh Grant's casting in the upcoming film, Wonka, in which the English actor play an Oopma Loompa.

Hugh Grant's Wonka Appearance Blasted By Willow Star

Anthony Lund — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:57:41 GMT

While many people have been delighted to see Hugh Grant make his debut appearance as an Oompa Loompa in the first full trailer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel Wonka, not everyone is happy with the actor “taking away” the role of actors with dwarfism. Willow and Artemis Fowl star George Coppen, who has dwarfism himself, criticised the decision to cast Grant in the role of the movie’s small character.

Everything We Know About Timothee Chalamet’s Willy Wonka Prequel

Ashley Hajimirsadeghi — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 22:00:47 GMT

Timothée Chalamet has become one of Hollywood’s it-boys. 2023 is a big year for the young actor as he is headlining two major movies for Warner Bros. Discovery. First is Dune: Part Two, and the other is the role of Willy Wonka in the prequel film Wonka. Perhaps his career mimics the previous Willy Wonka actor’s career: Johnny Depp was thrust into fame when he was twenty-one after appearing in the 1984 slasher A Nightmare on Elm Street. Chalamet is only 27 (as of 2023), but with his current outstanding artistic output, he has certainly solidified his place in Hollywood as one of the most talented actors of his generation. And people were really glad to see him cast as Willy Wonka in the latest addition to the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movies, based on the book written by Roald Dahl.

Paul King Reveals Wonka Had Its Own On-Set Chocolate Maker: 'It's a Miracle That Timmy Remains So Slim'

Shari Hirsch — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:15:31 GMT

During an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Wonka director Paul King joked about eating sweets during filming and revealed that the set had its very own chocolate maker.

Wonka's Oooma Loompa Design Ignored Tim Burton's Movie For One Simple Reason

Anthony Lund — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:47:12 GMT

In 2005 Tim Burton and Johnny Depp combined their talents to reimagine Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delivering a very “Burtonesque” vision of the world of Willy Wonka. When it comes to this year’s prequel movie, Wonka, director Paul King took more inspiration from the classic 1971 Gene Wilder film when it came to the design of his Oompa Loompa.

Wonka: These Films Prove Timothée Chalamet Is Right for the Role

Suhaib Adeel — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 23:00:20 GMT

When embarking on the complex process of casting the iconic character of Willy Wonka for the eagerly anticipated film adaptation, Wonka, it is imperative to find an actor with the extraordinary talent to give it an unmatched fusion of enchanting charisma, eccentricity, and multifaceted personality. Timothée Chalamet, a rising star whose extraordinary and various film identities have enthralled audiences around the globe, is a top contender.

Wonka: Breaking Down Every Easter Egg From the Trailer

Suhaib Adeel — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 21:30:20 GMT

The enthralling world of Willy Wonka is set to be fully revealed to us, as Warner Bros. Pictures has released the highly awaited trailer for Timothée Chalamet's newest endeavor, fittingly named Wonka. This movie will explore the origins of Willy Wonka, a figure immortalized in Roald Dahl's books, and Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film.

10 Movies to Watch While You Wait for Wonka

Federico Furzan — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 22:22:13 GMT

A couple of days ago, the Internet blew up when Warner Bros. released the first trailer for their upcoming film set in the Willy Wonka universe. Wonka is directed by Paul King, the guy who brought Paddington to the big screen two times and proved he could actually make a good, compelling adaptation of the adventures of a teddy bear trying to find a family in London. Of course, producers trusted King enough and green-lit the project as a prequel to the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. All they had to find next was someone who could play the iconic character whose past interpretations gave people something to talk about. And they found a Hollywood starlet who can apparently also give life to Wonka in his youngest years.

Wonka Director Wanted Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa For His Unwavering Sarcasm

Stephanie Watel — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 21:54:28 GMT

Paul King's Wonka prequel is promising a different but still exciting and very musical adventure into the origins of the world-famous chocolatier, especially after the debut of the first official trailer a couple of days ago. One of the biggest takeaways from it was of course the grand appearance of Hugh Grant as one of the all-too-familiar Oompa Loompas and his piccolo flute. While being a delightful throwback to the classic Willy Wonka film from 1971, it was hard not to notice Grant's impeccably delivered sarcastic undertone, something the actor is quite known for. As it turns out, during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the sarcasm was exactly the reason why director Paul King cast Grant in the first place.

Wonka: Questions About Willy Wonka We Hope to See Answered

Riley Harman — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 02:51:31 GMT

Willy Wonka has been a beloved character for multiple generations. The character originated from the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, written by Roald Dahl. The novel has since inspired two movies, the 1971 film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, and the 2005 iteration of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp portraying the famous chocolatier. And it seems the character continues to inspire as Willy Wonka is now getting a movie dedicated to his backstory. The upcoming 2023 musical Wonka will serve as a prequel to Dahl’s novel and look at how Willy Wonka became the chocolatier we all know and love.

Is the Wonka Trailer Hinting at a Multi-Part Franchise?

Martin Cantet — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 23:30:19 GMT

The new Wonka trailer is available now, and the imagery is simply dazzling. Timothée Chalamet gives Roald Dahl’s character the right amount of magic and eccentricity that makes the chocolate maker so unique, continuing the lasting legacy of amazing performances given by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. The upcoming movie, clearly explained by the trailer, is the prequel story of Willy Wonka and how he became the renowned Candyman.

Wonka Director Paul King Said He "Didn't Want to Reinvent" the Gene Wilder Film

Shari Hirsch — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 18:20:45 GMT

During an exclusive chat with Entertainment Weekly, director Paul King discussed his upcoming film, Wonka, and revealed that he "didn't want to reinvent" Gene Wilder's version of the classic character.

Wonka Official Trailer Debuts Timothée Chalamet's Chocolatier and Hugh Grant's Oompa Loompas

Stephanie Watel — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:11:48 GMT

Whether in the desert on a remote planet or in the world's most famous chocolate factory, Timothée Chalamet has been a popular face on the big screen lately. This holiday season he's set to be a double feature both in Dune: Part Two this November, followed by the sweets-filled prequel Wonka in December. Now, after months of anticipation, chocolate lovers can rejoice as the official trailer for Wonka has now dropped, giving us a firsthand look at what to expect in this one-of-a-kind origin story.

Wonka First Look Images Focus on Timothee Chalamet's Magical Transformation into the Famous Chocolatier

Maca Reynolds — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:54:13 GMT

The world's most famous chocolatier is brought back to life on the big screen by Timothée Chalamet in the first look images for Wonka, the prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the iconic characters by children's author Roald Dahl.

Timothée Chalamet Reveals the Emotional Reason Why He Took the Role of Willy Wonka

Maca Reynolds — Tue, 16 May 2023 15:36:35 GMT

Timothée Chalamet has already managed to become one of the big young names in Hollywood, and will soon be releasing two long-awaited films within major franchises. On the one hand, he will become Paul Atreides again in Dune Part 2 in November, and in December he will invade theaters again with the premiere of Wonka.

Wonka CinemaCon Trailer Has Timothée Chalamet and an Oompa Loompa Hugh Grant

Jonathan Fuge — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 03:05:40 GMT

The ongoing event known as CinemaCon continues to deliver the cinematic goods, offering a new look at the upcoming musical prequel, Wonka. Starring Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet as a young version of the eccentric chocolatier, Wonka is all set to land in theaters just in time for the festive season later this year in mid-December.

Wonka and the Transcendentalism of Willy Wonky: Secrets of an Immortal Feature

Renae Richardson — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:30:17 GMT

Even though the feature film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released almost 50 years ago, the material remains as relevant and compelling as ever. This year's upcoming feature, Wonka, confirms Roald Dahl's classic as extremely durable. Yet one can't help but wonder why Willy Wonka has such an enormous appeal. Why is Willy Wonka so transcendental?

Wonka: What We Hope to See in the Movie

Ivana Faustina — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:31:16 GMT

Ah, Wonka — possibly the best chocolate brand that originated from fictional work in the world. Though the real-life production was discontinued in 2010, the name Wonka never lost its presence in the entertainment media. Since the author Roald Dahl came up with the children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 1964, numerous adaptations have entertained generations with the sweet world of pure imagination. But of course, the most notable are the major motion pictures, the 1971 release of Mel Stuart’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and the reimagined 2005 iteration of Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Timothée Chalamet Announces Wonka Reshoots

Maca Reynolds — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 17:55:12 GMT

Timothée Chalamet doesn't stop working and recently made a return to Wonka's set. Roald Dahl's popular character, Willy Wonka, will be brought to life again by Warner Bros. Discovery and the acclaimed young actor in a prequel film that will trace the origins of the owner of the famous chocolate factory many years before Charlie's visit.

Wonka Star Keegan-Michael Key Praises Timothée Chalamet & Teases Musical Numbers

Jonathan Fuge — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 13:29:07 GMT

Wonka star Keegan-Michael Key has heaped praise on his co-star Timothée Chalamet and his portrayal of Willy Wonka during his early years. Speaking with THR, Key had nothing but nice things to say about Chalamet, describing his “wonderful effortlessness” in playing the iconic character before calling the young actor a “really delicious artist.” Which sounds like the perfect combination for someone playing the chocolate-loving Wonka.

Wonka’s Timothee Chalamet Responds to Fan 'Thirst Tweets' For The Character

Anthony Lund — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:04:43 GMT

The character of Willy Wonka has never invoked any reactions that could be described as “thirst tweets” in the past, but the arrival of images of Timothee Chalamet from the new Wonka prequel seems to have instigated an unexpected reaction to the chocolatier. This has included many internet memes and some wild reactions of those having some impure thoughts about Willy Wonka that Chalamet has now responded to while talking to British Vogue.

Warner Bros. Announces DC Movie Release Schedule Shake-Up; Wonka, The Meg 2 Also Delayed

Anthony Lund — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:13:49 GMT

Last year Disney took the plunge and made some big changes to its upcoming movie schedule, pushing back many Marvel movies and Indiana Jones 5 by months to offset the delays faced during the Covid pandemic. Now it looks like Warner Bros. is doing something similar with its 2022/2023 slate after announcing a huge reshuffle that sees Shazam: Fury of the Gods being pulled forward, while all other movies drop back in scheduling starting with the Dwayne Johnson movie Black Adam.

New Wonka Set Videos Show Timothee Chalamet Filming In Oxford

Anthony Lund — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:58:32 GMT

The first look at Timothee Chalamet as eccentric chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka was revealed last year, gaining a mixed response online from fans of the previous big-screen iterations of Roald Dahl’s famous creation. Now a new set of images and videos taken in Oxford, England, have given another good look at Chalamet’s interpretation of Wonka as he continues filming on the prequel movie of the same name. Wonka will follow the character in the years before he settles into his most famous role as the reclusive owner of a wondrous factory and provides a brand-new backstory to the known world of Wonka.

Timothee Chalamet Sings in Wonka Set Video

Anthony Lund — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:21:13 GMT

Yesterday we were given a first look at Timothee Chalamet in the role of Willy Wonka in the upcoming prequel movie coming to cinemas in 2023 from the actor himself, and hot on the heels of that official reveal comes some on-set footage of the actor performing one of the musical numbers that will be featured in the film. The footage shared on Twitter by user @_ARTSARTSARTS shows Chalamet riding atop a vehicle as the song plays in the background and he mimes along to it. While there have been some contrasting opinions on the look of the character, there is no doubt that his singing voice is clearly up to the task on the track in question.

Timothee Chalamet Reveals First Look as Willy Wonka in Upcoming Prequel

Anthony Lund — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 22:29:50 GMT

While recent Roald Dahl news has been centered on the acquisition of his entire catalog of stories by Netflix, Warner Bros. don't want us to forget that they have their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel, Wonka, coming soon and announced last week that the movie was underway shooting in the U.K. It seems that the film's lead Timothee Chalamet also doesn't want the production to dip out of the public eye as he took to his Instagram account to share the first look at his costume as the titular confectioner.

Wonka Begins Filming with Timothee Chalamet, Full Cast Announced

Jeremy Dick — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 19:49:19 GMT

Filming has officially started on Wonka, the upcoming prequel in the works at Warner Bros. Pictures inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The movie stars Timothee Chalamet (Dune, Call Me By Your Name) in the lead role as a young Willy Wonka with Paul King (Paddington movies) serving as the director. While this is a new take on the source material, it is based on the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story by Roald Dahl.

Wonka Casts Keegan-Michael Key in a Mystery Role Opposite Timothee Chalamet

Ross Tanenbaum — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 16:54:57 GMT

Comedian Keegan Michael Key is joining the cast of Wonka, the upcoming musical prequel that will explore the early life of Willy Wonka. He will be starring alongside Timothee Chalamet, who has been casted as the chocolate pioneer himself. Paul King is directing the film and is co-writing the screenplay with Simon Farnaby.

Original Willy Wonka Cast Shares Thoughts on New Prequel

Anthony Lund — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 20:07:07 GMT

While there are many people who take issue with the constant stream of remakes, reboots, and reimagining of well-loved films, it seems that when it comes to the cast of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, they cannot wait for more interpretations of the off-the-wall Roald Dahl character. Speaking to People Magazine as part of the 50th anniversary of the movie, actors Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Paris Themmen and Michael Bollner, who appeared as, in order, Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Mike Teevee and Augustus Gloop in the movie, shared their opinions on the Johnny Depp remake and the newly announced Wonka prequel.

Wonka Prequel Wants Olivia Colman as the Villain?

Anthony Lund — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 13:48:31 GMT

With pre-production well under way on Wonka, the prequel movie to Roald Dahl's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, we are learning new things about the upcoming look at the early life of factory owner Willy Wonka on a regular basis. In the last few days there has been a new rumor that Olivia Colman is the latest name in the mix, as well as some potential plot points of the story itself. While the novel by Dahl has been adapted twice, once back in 1971 with Gene Wilder in the role and again in 2005 with Johnny Depp in the role of Wonka, but this will be the first time we have seen the eccentric confectioner's past.

Timothee Chalamet Is Young Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Prequel

Jeremy Dick — Mon, 24 May 2021 16:00:37 GMT

Timothée Chalamet is our next Willy Wonka. In January, it was reported that Chalamet was in consideration along with Spider-Man actor Tom Holland to star in Wonka, a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel that will follow a "young Willy Wonka and his adventures prior to opening the world's most famous chocolate factory." Per a new report by Deadline, Chalamet has now officially signed on for the part.

Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp Fans Are Trashing the Wonka Prequel

Jeremy Dick — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:30:33 GMT

The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel Wonka is getting released in 2023 with Tom Holland or Timothee Chalamet rumored to star, and the news isn't sitting very well at all with many fans of the original movie. In 1971, Gene Wilder famously starred as the purple-suited chocolate salesman in the original movie adaptation Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. His performance is considered iconic, and for a lot of people, nobody else could ever convincingly play the character after Wilder previously set the bar so high.

Willy Wonka Prequel Set for 2023, Tom Holland, Timothee Chalamet Being Eyed to Star

Jeremy Dick — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:44:57 GMT

Warner Bros. has set an official release date for Wonka, a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel that tells the origin story of eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka. Per the studio, the movie will follow a "young Willy Wonka and his adventures prior to opening the world's most famous chocolate factory." Scheduled to release on March 17, 2023, the movie comes from Paddington director Paul King and Harry Potter producer David Heyman.

Willy Wonka Inspired Golden Ticket Treasure Hunt Launched by Jelly Belly Founder

Jeremy Dick — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:58:38 GMT

Jelly Belly founder David Klein is taking some inspiration from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with a golden ticket promotion to give away the key to his own candy factory. Though Klein sold his stake in Jelly Belly in 1980, he has since continued to make sugary sweets while calling himself The Candyman. Now preparing for retirement, Klein wanted to bring an end to his career with a bit of fun with the launch of a worldwide treasure hunt, hoping to "give back to everyone who candy industry like he does."

The Rock as Willy Wonka? It Almost Happened

Jonathan Fuge — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 18:38:50 GMT

There are a few roles that fans wish Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had ended up playing, with Jack Reacher being pretty high up the list. One character that probably doesn't come to mind though is that of the quirky, wily, skinny Willy Wonka, but, according to Johnson himself, Wonka was a character that he was indeed considered for. Taking to social media, Johnson revealed the bizarre casting choice while showing his children 1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder as the chocolate factory-owning maniac.

Ryan Gosling, Donald Glover on Willy Wonka Prequel Shortlist

Ryan Scott — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 20:17:40 GMT

Warner Bros. is moving ahead with their Willy Wonka reboot and they've got some very interesting, big names on their shortlist for the lead role. We reported back in February that Paddington director Paul King had been tapped to helm the project for the studio. Now it appears as though they're in the casting phase and are putting together a list of potential candidates to fill the very big shoes once filled by the legendary Gene Wilder. It looks like Ryan Gosling, Ezra Miller and Donald Glover at all on the shortlist.

Willy Wonka Reboot Targets Paddington Director Paul King

Brian Gallagher — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 02:33:35 GMT

Warner Bros. is in final negotiations with Paddington 2 director Paul King, to take the helm on a new Willy Wonka movie. Back in October 2016, the studio had acquired the rights to the franchise setting Simon Rich (The Secret Life of Pets) to write the screenplay for the movie, which was said to be a prequel following Willy Wonka's "early adventures." While this new report doesn't make any mention of this project being a "prequel," only stating that it's a "reimagining of Roald Dahl's classic children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Simon Rich is mentioned as the screenwriter, along with producer David Heyman, who was mentioned in the original story from 2016, so it seems like it is the same project.

Charlie Was Supposed to Be Black in Original Willy Wonka Book

Kevin Burwick — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 00:24:06 GMT

Roald Dahl's widow says that Charlie Bucket from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was originally black. The original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book, in which a boy from an impoverished family in Britain finds the fifth and final ticket to win a tour of the factory run by eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka, was just one of many insanely successful children's classics written by Dahl that also inspired major motion pictures. James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Matilda were all from Dahl's books long before they were made into movies. But perhaps a bigger change was never requested of Dahl than to make his hero a white boy as opposed to African-American.

Ryan Gosling Wants to Play Young Willy Wonka?

Ryan Scott — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 01:14:55 GMT

Ryan Gosling as a young Willy Wonka? Don't get your hopes up (or don't get too upset, depending on how you feel about it) just yet, but it sounds like the 36-year-old Oscar nominee is interested in taking on the role made famous by the late, great Gene Wilder. Warner Bros. is planning on making another movie centered on the singing, dancing candy making man and, if this new rumor proves true, Gosling may be the next great actor to try and portray the character on the big screen in the planned Willy Wonka Prequel.

Willy Wonka Gets a Tom and Jerry Remake and It Looks Awful

Ryan Scott — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 22:46:09 GMT

Ready to question everything you thought you knew about your childhood? Perfect. Then buckle up and watch this insanely weird and totally inexplicable trailer for Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. No, this is not some bizarre fan film or the result of some Kickstarter campaign. This is a real movie that Warner Bros. Animation is releasing this year.

Willy Wonka Origin Story to Be Revealed in New Prequel Movie?

Ryan Scott — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 00:09:34 GMT

Hollywood is pretty good at delivering things that seemingly nobody wants, but there is one project currently in development that seems to take the cake. It was announced a few weeks ago that Warner Bros. had acquired the rights to the character of Willy Wonka from the Roald Dahl estate. Now, producer David Heyman is working on a prequel movie involving the beloved character.

Willy Wonka Prequel Movie Is Happening with Harry Potter Producer

Brian Gallagher — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 21:07:07 GMT

Warner Bros. has acquired the intellectual property rights to the beloved Willy Wonka franchise from the Roald Dahl estate, as the studio plans a new standalone movie. Harry Potter producer David Heyman is returning to the studio to produce alongside Michael Siegel, the manager of the Dahl Estate. The studio was reportedly trying to secure the franchise rights since the beginning of this year, with the deal finally closing this fall.