Ever since it was announced that Timothée Chalamet would be taking on the role of Willy Wonka in a Charlie & The Chocolate Factory prequel, it's probably safe to say that many of us have been wondering how he will interpret the eccentric and beloved character.
Well, we've finally got a taste (excuse the pun) of Timothée's take on the kooky chocolatier, since Warner Bros have released a full trailer ahead of the movie's release. Yay!
In the new teaser, we see Wonka introduce himself as “something of a magician, inventor and chocolate maker,” before a montage of magical scenes ensues as he attempts to open his first chocolate shop in (what appears to be) a bygone-era London.
We also get a clearer picture of the ensemble cast, which largely features British acting greats such as Olivia Colman, Rowan Atkinson, Matt Lucas and even Hugh Grant, who makes a surprise appearance as an Oompa Loompa in the final scene of the trailer. Enjoy:
Whether you think the world needs another prequel or not (Hey, some of us are still recovering from Cruella), it's hard to deny that Timothée seems pretty perfect for this role. And by the sounds of things, he's pretty excited about it too.
He told Vogue: "To work on something that will have an uncynical young audience, that was just a big joy. That's why I was drawn to it. In a time and climate of intense political rhetoric, when there’s so much bad news all the time, this is hopefully going to be a piece of chocolate.”
Without further ado, here's everything we know about Wonka:
What's the plot of Wonka?
We've not been spoilt with too many details, but Roald Dahl's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – not to mention the subsequent film adaptations, starring Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka – leave us with plenty of questions about Wonka's origin story. Namely, what's the reason for his obsession with chocolate?
Warner Bros says: “Based on the extraordinary character at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
“Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time — proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.”
The resemblance is uncanny.
In Tim Burton's 2005 adaption, we learn through flashbacks to Wonka's childhood that his father was a dentist who imposed extremely strict rules about not eating sugar. This prompts Wonka to run away from home and start his illustrious career as a chocolatier. We don't know whether Wonka will run with this storyline or switch it up entirely – though reports suggest that the new film will tie in more with the 1971 film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder.
In the trailer, we see Willy Wonka arrive in London (we assume), introducing the public to his fantastical chocolate delicacies and hoping to open his own store – we also meet a new and so-far-unnamed young character, played by Calah Lane, who seems to be joining Wonka on his adventures. Plus, we now know that the movie is a musical, with Timothée showing off his singing and dancing skills in a mammoth seven numbers (yes, you read that correctly).
Wonka is being directed by Paul King, who has previously worked on The Mighty Boosh, Paddington (!), and Paddington 2 (!!).
Who will in star in Wonka?
You mean other than Timothée Chalamet? Well as it happens, there's plenty more stars in the cast. Expect to see The Crown's Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Spencer star Sally Hawkins, Patterson Joseph (Peep Show, Vigil), Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus), Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter and Matt Lucas.
You can also keep an eye out for Rakhee Thakrar (Sex Education), Keegan-Michael Key (The Lion King) and of course, Timothée's principal co-star Calah Lane. This is gonna be sooo good.
When will Wonka be released?
Wonka is going to be a Christmas movie! The film is set for release in December 2023 – we'll keep our eye out for an official UK release date.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
