Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for Paul King’s “Wonka.” The upcoming Willy Wonka origins story stars Timothée Chalamet as the title character. In a world full of cynicism and greed, the confectionary dreamer hopes to share his sweet concoctions with everyone including those less fortunate.
The latest trailer isn’t as musical as the first, and focuses more on the whimsical eccentricity of the enigmatic Wonka. In the opening, we get to see how Wonka’s genius extends far beyond just making candy, and spotlights how he is able to trap a sneaky Oompa Loompa (Hugh Grant) who broke into Wonka’s home just to have some of those confections. Other inventions include Willy Wonka’s Wild and Wonderful Wishy Washy Wonka Walker – please don’t make me write or say that again. Above all, he’s a chocolate maker, one who makes the best chocolate in the world. Not yet, anyway, as he has to climb up the ladder to get there. And his creations have his candy factory CEOs worried.
Though perfectly silly and charming in every way, the trailer also teases optimism and hope that Wonka will need to have in order to stand up to the bullies who are in his way of becoming a confectioner making candies and chocolates that anyone can afford, even the poor. Some of it may be simplistic, but ultimately, it’s a reminder of what dreamers with good intentions and a kind heart can do for a world that may be dark and hopeless. And that could be just the thing we need right now.
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 Lost Daughter”) and Hugh Grant (“Paddington 2,” “A Very English Scandal”). 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”).
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.
“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.
