Wonka Takes Audiences to a World of Pure Imagination

“The secret is, it’s not the chocolate that matters, It’s the people you share it with.”

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET as Willy Wonka in Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “WONKA,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Image by Jaap Buittendijk

More than 50 years since Gene Wilder depicted the fanciful chocolatier, we finally get a chance to see Willy Wonka’s rather mysterious upbringing.

With the upcoming release of the movie Wonka, audiences are in for a special treat! Starring the acclaimed actor Timothée Chalamet, the new film is set to hit theaters on Dec. 15. 

This prequel immerses the audiences into the untold backstory of the iconic character Willy Wonka, exploring the early life of how Wonka became the man we all know and love.

At a Warner Brothers virtual roundtable about the film, the film’s lead actor Timothée Chalamet and co-star Keegan-Michael Key offered an exclusive peek behind the scenes of this whimsical film.

Despite Chalamet sporting Wonka’s pompous top hat and his uncanny resemblance, he shared that it was difficult for him to match Wilder’s energetic portrayal of the character.

“I think for me, it was to build an understanding of what stamina would be required. And having been in war films and things that are plainly going to be exhausting, this was sneaky,” said Chalamet. “Your mind knows you’re acting, but your body doesn’t know you’re acting. 

“This character is always on an up-tempo,” Chalamet said. “It’s always like a phoenix getting put together, every time he’s told no, he’s got a new plan. That really acquired a certain presence. But that’s a beautiful challenge.”

Adding a magical twist, Wonka promises to be a sensory delight with a musical showcase of song and dance. The movie stands out from its cinematic predecessor by highlighting the character’s more magical and charming side.

Chalamet believes audiences will be receptive to the upcoming film.

“It’s like it’s a huge gift,” Chalamet said.

The film confronts the weighted legacy of Roald Dahl’s original book, Gene Wilder’s 1971 portrayal, and Johnny Depps’ 2005 depiction.

Chalamet acknowledged being inspired by Gene Wilder, emphasizing the challenge of stepping into the whimsical character’s shoes, while adding his unique twist on the candy entrepreneur’s story.

“I felt like it was more important to try to do my own thing with it,” Chalamet said. “It’s an original story, some of the beats are different, but this is really a companion piece.”

In their journey to contribute to Dahl’s legacy, both Chalamet and Key envisioned Wonka as the perfect double feature with Wilder’s film. 

“Obviously, something’s happened between this movie and the Gene Wilder one to have sort of curdled that man’s spirit and made him see the world in a way that this young Willy Wonka sees it, just full of possibility and loves humans and loves the humanity and characteristics of people,” Chalamet explains. 

Key spoke about his expectations of the movie and teased the possibility of filling the gap between the two films, leaving room for future Wonka adventures. 

“My expectation is that during the holiday season, or any season for that matter, that people watch these two movies together in the future,” Key said.

(L to r) MATHEW BAYNTON as Fickelgruber, MATT LUCAS as Prodnose, KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY as Chief of Police and PATERSON JOSEPH as Slugworth in Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “WONKA,” a Warner Bros. Image by Jaap Buittendijk

Unique in its production approach, Wonka exudes a different type of play, not just in the final product but in the filmmaking itself. Key described the joy Director Paul King had that was an experience like no other. 

“I’ve had a lot of fun making a lot of films, but it’s the brand of fun that was different,” said Key. “It was as if Paul King, the director, was whipping up cinematic chocolates of his own and his own factory. It felt like you could see the wonder on his face every day as he’s figuring things out and knows how they’re going to look. There was a delight on the set.”

“As a finished piece, I just feel like it’s the most generous project I’ve been a part of,” Chalamet adds.

Wonka promises to be a timeless, heartwarming spectacle, blending nostalgia and new beginnings. This film highlights the invention of Willy Wonka’s delectable treats, the start of the well-known chocolate factory, the daring tale of how Willy Wonka met the Oompa-Loompas, the importance of following your dreams, and the meaning of friendships which shaped Wonka into the whimsical figure audiences cherish. 

Whether you’re a long-time Willy Wonka fan or a first-time visitor to his iconic chocolate factory, this prequel offers a delightful experience for all ages. As Wonka’s mother in the movie said it best: “The secret is, it’s not the chocolate that matters, It’s the people you share it with.”

Join Willy Wonka on Dec. 15, as he takes the audience to a world of pure imagination where you will be on an enchanting journey in a time when the chocolate factory was just a dream of a young visionary.