Daniel Thompson
Jul 12, 2023 - 05:05

Debut Trailer for Wonka Prequel Showcases Timothee Chalamet as the Iconic Character

Timothee Chalamet stars as Willy Wonka in new prequel film.

In the upcoming prequel film "Wonka," Timothee Chalamet takes on the iconic role of Willy Wonka, following in the footsteps of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. The recently released trailer gives us a glimpse into the story of how Roald Dahl's beloved character developed his love for chocolate.

Set before the 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," the movie showcases a younger version of Wonka, portrayed by the talented 27-year-old actor known for his roles in "Dune" and "Call Me by Your Name." We see Wonka's journey as he discovers cocoa beans, befriends a young orphan girl, and dreams of opening his own chocolate store.

Director Paul King emphasized the importance of staying true to Dahl's original book when writing the script. He wanted to delve deeper into Wonka's character and create a story that Dahl himself might have approved of if he had ever written a prequel. King described Wonka as a fascinating and captivating character, and he aimed to explore his motivations and what chocolate truly means to him.

Dahl's book tells the tale of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour Wonka's chocolate factory alongside other children with various flaws and vices. The new film takes us to a fictional European city, where master chocolatiers reside. Chalamet, like his predecessors Wilder and Depp, dons Wonka's signature top hat and long jacket.

King praised Chalamet's performance, stating that he not only lives up to the legacy of those who have portrayed the character before him but also brings a sense of chaos, mischief, and emotional depth to the role. The trailer also introduces Chalamet's esteemed co-stars, including Olivia Colman, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, and Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa.

Fans of Roald Dahl's enchanting world can look forward to the release of "Wonka" in December. This film promises to explore the origins of a beloved character and capture the imagination of audiences once again.