“So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Such sentiment is a reminder that there is still good on this Earth despite all of the misdeeds and evils that surround it. And as such, WB’s “Wonka” is here to remind us that we can still pursue our hopes and dreams even if there are people who will do anything to protect their self-interests by smashing it all into pieces. Directed by Paul King, the man behind the “Paddington” films, “Wonka” sees Timothée Chalamet in the title role as the sweet confectioner who is determined to change the world with his concoctions. And the only ones standing in his way are the evil chocolate cartel, a group of greedy candy makers who will do anything to stop Wonka from getting a shop.
Much like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the trailer teases a film that looks to be pure imagination. The whimsical dance number day dreaming, the playful dialogue, the colors, and even the set designs and props all feel like something plucked out of the pages of Roald Dahl’s book. Of course, since this is Willy Wonka’s origins story, King has the freedom to explore the title character without having to adhere to the book.
With Gene Wilder setting the bar high with his performance as Willy Wonka in the 1971 film, any attempts to match or exceed it have been impossible. However, it looks like Chalamet is up to the task with something that looks to be so pure and sincere.
Starring alongside Chalamet are Calah Lane (“The Day Shall Come”), Emmy and Peabody Award winner Keegan-Michael Key (“The Prom,” “Schmigadoon”), Paterson Joseph (“Vigil,” “Noughts + Crosses”), Matt Lucas (“Paddington,” “Little Britain”), Mathew Baynton (“The Wrong Mans,” “Ghosts”), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water,” the “Paddington” films, “Spencer”), Rowan Atkinson (the “Johnny English” and “Mr. Bean” films, “Love Actually”), Jim Carter (“Downton Abbey”), with Oscar winner Olivia Colman (“The Favourite”). The film also stars Natasha Rothwell (“White Lotus,” “Insecure”), Rich Fulcher (“Marriage Story,” “Disenchantment”), Rakhee Thakrar (“Sex Education,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral”), Tom Davis (“Paddington 2,” “King Gary”) and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (“Paddington 2,” “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Mary Poppins Returns”).
“Wonka” opens in theaters on December 15, 2023.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Wonka:”
Based on the extraordinary character at the center 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
From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films, David Heyman, producer of “Harry Potter,” “Gravity,” “Fantastic Beasts” and “Paddington,” and producers Alexandra Derbyshire (the “Paddington” films, “Jurassic World: Dominion”) and Luke Kelly (“Roald Dahl’s The Witches”), comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. 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.
