Timothée Chalamet Will Play A Young Willy Wonka In An Origin Story Movie

May 24, 2021 / Posted by:

Who of us hasn’t ever wondered what happened in Willy Wonka’s formative years to turn him into a reclusive confection-obsessed eccentric with zero respect for the departments of workplace safety and labor? We all have, which is why Hollywood is currently working on an origin story about the weird, stylish factory owner made famous by Roald Dahl in 1964. We’ve seen Gene Wilder’s Gene Wilder-y version in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, then Johnny Depp’s nightmare-making interpretation in 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Sometime in the near-ish future, we’ll be treated to a young Wonka in Wonka. When Emily first wrote about this, she guessed he would be played by Timothée Chalamet, and she was right because that’s who it is.

Deadline reports that Timothée has signed on to play the younger Willy Wonka in what will be an origin story and prequel. Like Young Sheldon, but with even more missed social cues. Warner Bros. has been developing Wonka for several years, and they finally found an actor with exactly what they were looking for in their Young Wonka. I assume the prerequisites were charismatic sexual ambiguity, a strong anti-social vibe, a dash of underlying creepiness, and a head that can support a top hat. Oh, and an actor whose resume talents includes: CAN EAT ONE’S BODY WEIGHT IN CHOCOLATE WITHOUT RUINING A TAKE WITH AGGRESSIVE GAGGING. Eh, this is the 21st century – I’m sure they’ll CGI in all the chocolate. One thing is for sure, and that’s that Timmy had to prove he can carry a tune and step-ball-change. via Deadline:

Sources also tell Deadline that Wonka will mark the first time Chalamet gets to show off his singing and dancing skills with several musical numbers set to appear in the film. He’s been the top choice for some time but scheduling was a hurdle that had to be overcome as training for those numbers is included in the prep for this film.

All three chocolate factory films have been made by Warner Bros., and the previous appearance by Willy Wonka in the 2005 film actually did have an origin story in it. After Charlie Bucket asks Johnny Depp’s Willy Wonka if he remembers what it was like being a kid, Willy Wonka flashes back to his depressing childhood, where he’s got a mouthful of braces and headgear, and a dentist father who refuses to let him eat candy. I don’t know if Warner Bros. plans on scrapping the character biography that was previously established, all writing something completely different.

Timothée will be directed by Paul King, who also co-wrote the script. I know Timothée can act, but he also always seems to embody the same character to me, which is that of a moody art school trust funder who gets a little rush every time he can tell someone he’s only ever listened to Joy Division on original vinyl. Honestly, I’m half expecting this movie to open with Willy Wonka hanging out at a party, snacking on organic cacao nibs he brought only for himself, sighing, “I actually prefer to go by William.

Pic: Wenn.com

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