Roll up, roll up! Willy Wonka is back, and this time, he’s bringing his whimsical world to the big screen in a fresh take on Roald Dahl’s iconic character. The upcoming film, titled “Wonka,” is directed by Paul King, known for his work on the beloved “Paddington” movies. In a recent interview, King discussed the exciting details of the film’s first trailer, including the casting of Timothée Chalamet as the young Willy Wonka, the exploration of Wonka’s origins, and the inclusion of musical elements. Get ready for a delicious journey into the world of Wonka!
Introducing Wee Willy Wonka
In this prequel story, Timothée Chalamet takes on the role of a younger version of Willy Wonka, before he becomes the renowned chocolatier we know from the classic tale. King explains that the Wonka in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is searching for an heir, someone to inherit his chocolate factory. The film explores Wonka’s fun and lively personality while hinting at his nearing retirement. The exact age of this Wonka is left to the audience’s imagination, but King playfully describes him as “sort of Timothée Chalamet-aged.” The film begins with Wonka arriving in a new town, emerging mysteriously from the mist, creating an intriguing starting point for the story.
The Wild World of Willy Wonka
King reveals that Wonka’s backstory will delve into his time spent in the jungle, a detail hinted at in Dahl’s original story. The film explores why Wonka is so driven and reveals more about his prodigious talent for chocolate-making. King couldn’t imagine a time when Wonka wasn’t skilled in the art of crafting delectable sweets. Just as Mozart possessed an innate talent for music, Wonka is portrayed as a genius in the world of chocolate. The film will shed light on his childhood and the experiences that shaped him into the extraordinary chocolatier he becomes.
Wonka’s Wonderful World
As Wonka steps into a new city known for its chocolate, the film showcases a contrast between the uptight and proper environment and Wonka’s colorful and chaotic presence. King describes it as a European city that takes chocolate very seriously. He wanted to inject fun, life, and chaos into the city, and Wonka becomes the catalyst for this change. The film draws inspiration from the 1971 movie, which was shot in Germany, incorporating various European influences in the set design and language used in the signage and posters. The name “Willy Wonka” itself has a global quality, reflecting Dahl’s intention to create a pan-worldly story.
Warm Well-Wishers
Despite the city’s resistance to Wonka’s arrival, he finds an ally in Calah Lane’s character, Noodle, who works for Scrubbit and Bleacher, portrayed by Olivia Colman and Tom Davis. These grotesque characters add a touch of Dahl’s signature quirkiness to the story. Noodle understands the city’s dynamics in a way that Wonka doesn’t, and her street-smart attitude complements Wonka’s naivety and innocence. King describes their dynamic as a lovely double act between a grown-up who is playful and a young character who has faced hardships.
Whimsical Warbling
With promises of plenty of songs in the film, King embraces the opportunity to create musical sequences akin to the memorable Hugh Grant singalong in “Paddington 2.” The film aims to capture the spirit of the 1971 movie, which seamlessly transitions between being a musical and a non-musical film. Dahl’s original work often features songs and poems, which King finds humorous and an integral part of the story. He believes it’s natural for Wonka’s world to include music, and it presented a fun challenge to create those sequences in the film.
Worldly-Wise Wonder
Timothée Chalamet’s casting as Willy Wonka is highly praised by King, emphasizing the actor’s ability to convey the character’s genius and multi-dimensional traits. Chalamet’s portrayal allows audiences to believe in Wonka’s brilliance and showcases his versatility as he sings, dances, and embodies the whimsical nature of the character. Chalamet’s previous roles often depicted tortured souls, making his portrayal of Wonka a departure from his usual on-screen personas.
Wing-Less Whizzing
The film introduces new fantastical elements to Wonka’s world, such as hover-choc, a nod to the Fizzy Lifting Drinks from the 1971 film. These extraordinary chocolates take customers to new heights and offer a sense of wonder beyond regular candy. While the chocolate on set may not possess the same magical properties, it was abundant, thanks to the on-set chocolatier. King jokingly recommends everyone have their own private chocolatier, making it a tempting item for many Christmas
