It’s official: Timothée Chalamet got the golden ticket!
Enter a brand-new world of pure imagination because the 25-year-old French actor is set to star as a young Willy Wonka in an upcoming Warner Bros. film, Wonka.
According to Deadline, Wonka will serve as a prequel to the current films and focus on the whimsy chocolate maker’s life and adventures before opening his iconic factory. Sources told Deadline that the Oscar-nominated star will be showcasing his singing and dancing skills for the first time on-screen, with several musical numbers happening throughout the film.
Chalamet beat out Marvel star Tom Holland for the starring role, but he still has some big shoes to fill. It will be the third adaptation of the story. The 1971 movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder became an instant classic. Later on, Johnny Depp took on the role in the 2005 adaptation, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The character of Willy Wonka first appeared in Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Actress Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt in the 1971 musical, told British newspaper Metro that the casting is “brilliant.” She also said she’s looking forward to seeing how the reboot unfolds.
“It’s interesting, isn’t it? Because he’ll have to step into both [Gene and Johnny’s shoes]. I’m sure he’ll do his completely own spin on it!” Julie told the outlet.
According to Collider, Warner Bros. has been developing the movie for nearly five years, and it is slated for release on March 17, 2023.
The movie, directed by two-time BAFTA winner Paul King from a script by humorist and novelist Simon Rich and produced by Luke Kelly, Michael Siegel, Alexandra Derbyshire, and Harry Potter’s David Heyman.
Plot details for Wonka are being kept under wraps, but we definitely hope the Oompa Loompas make a special appearance.
Are you excited about this reboot? Do you think Timothée Chalamet will be able to play Willy Wonka well? Drop us your thoughts in the comments below!
Featured Image via Flickr Captain Miller
