An upcoming film called Wonka, set in a time long before Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, will follow a young Willy Wonka. Paul King and Simon Farnaby (yes, the Simon Farnaby from Paddington fame!) wrote and directed the picture.
After Johnny Depp’s 2005 portrayal of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this will be our first real look at the fictional candy magnate. Before it, in 1971, Gene Wilder had played the part. Unlike his two earlier forays into the chocolate industry, Willy Wonka’s latest adventure is a musical escapade featuring his singing and dancing abilities. Here’s all you want to understand about Wonka right now.
Wonka Release Date
December 15th, 2023 is the official date of The Willy Wonka release. The initial release date was March 17, 2023, however, there has been no formal announcement on the reason for the delays. The delayed release date of the Willy Wonka picture gives audiences more time to become excited about the film, which should translate to a strong opening week for the film.
Due to Warner Bros.’s policy of putting theatrical films on streaming platforms 30-45 days following its exclusive run in cinemas, Wonka will be available to watch in February 2024.
Wonka Cast
Along with Timothée Chalamet, the film’s all-star ensemble features Sally Hawkins, Olivia Colman, Patterson Joseph, and Hugh Grant, who will all play supporting roles to the eponymous chocolatier.
Some admirers thought the young actor wasn’t “whimsical” enough, which led to some eyebrows being raised by his hiring. Since the original trailer was rather mild, this was amplified when it was released. Still, we’re prepared to keep an open mind and believe it’s best not to judge him until we see it for ourselves.
But Grant is playing who? For the show, he’ll be playing the role of the little Oompa-Loompa. We are adoring all of the latest parts played by the former smoothie, but we are unsure about Grant’s agency.
The Wonka cast as of right now is:
- Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka
- Calah Lane as Noodle
- Hugh Grant as Lofty, the Oompa-Loompa
- Paterson Joseph as Arthur Slugworth
- Matt Lucas as Prodnose
- Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius
- Keegan-Michael Key
- Matthew Baynton as Ficklegruber
- Sally Hawkins as Willy Wonka’s mother
- Olivia Colman as Mrs. Scrubbit
- Jim Carter
- Tom Davis
Wonka Plot
The first teaser for the film reveals the plot, which would follow the youthful chocolate creator Willy Wonka from his humble beginnings. Even before Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka would have Wonka following.
It jumps in at the moment in his origin story when he wants to settle down and launch his candy empire after returning from a globe tour where he honed his chocolate-making talents. But he gets into a lot of trouble, largely because of the so-called Chocolate Cartel, who won’t allow anybody else to sell chocolate in their town’s stores.
Many of the themes that were hinted at in Roald Dahl’s books but never developed further into the Wonka origin tale will also be a part of the storyline of the Wonka movie. This encompasses his first encounter with an Oompa Loompa and the public unveiling of these enchanted sweets, including varieties that provide flight, among other things.
A little trace of melancholy appears in Wonka’s past as it pertains to his mother, whom he likely lost but whose memory he takes along on this incredible journey. But there will be a carefree tone throughout the narrative, and Wonka’s musical performances will harken back to the original by Gene Wilder.
Wonka Filming Locations
Production of Wonka began in October 2021 in England. As part of her Wonka costume shoot in Oxford and Bath in February 2022, Timothée was seen. Donning a top hat and a purple velvet suit, he assumed the persona of a youthful Willy Wonka.
Wonka Trailer
On July 11, 2023, the first trailer for Willy Wonka was released. The teaser takes us on a lengthy trip with a young Willy Wonka as he sets out to open his chocolate shop. The film has the same lighthearted tone as the Paddington series and features the energetic candy maker you’d expect from a tale about him. The approximately three-minute-second trailer for Willy Wonka was published on October 12.
Where to watch Wonka?
If you want to see Wonka when it comes out in December 2023, you’ll have to see it in a theater since it’s a theater exclusive. Max is probably going to get it after that.
Conclusion
When Wonka opens in cinemas on December 15, 2023, it will be the result of a dream team of skilled actors and directors working with the classic material of Roald Dahl’s novel.