Handsome Man Timothee Chalamet Will Play Willy Wonka In A New Origin Movie

Timothee Chalamet is ready to head to a world of pure imagination as the Oscar-nominated actor is set to star as the iconic inventor and chocolate maker in Warner Bros. and the Roald Dahl Story Co. Wonka. Based on characters created by Roald Dahl, the story will focus on a young Willy Wonka and his adventures prior to opening the world’s most famous chocolate factory.

Paul King will direct from the screenplay he wrote with Simon Farnaby (with prior writers including Simon Rich, Simon Stephenson, Jeff Nathanson, and Steven Levenson). David Heyman is producing via his Heyday Films. Luke Kelly is also producing, with Michael Siegel executive producing

If you follow LCB, you know that we are huge fans of the original 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'. It is one of the late, great Gene Wilder's best roles, and it is so effortlessly funny and entertaining. That said, I was not a huge fan of the Johnny Depp remake (which inexplicably is extremely well received by critics) and am totally content letting the franchise exist solely with the 1971 classic. 

While I don't this idea of an origin story on it's face, I want to note that they have two great signings on board for this. Chalamet is a fantastic actor that I think can nail down the weirdness (although the comedy might not all be there), and director Paul King has a great resume with the 2 Paddington Movies, both of which capture that strange, British-ey charm. This doesn't mean I am on board, because I am not. BUT, Max Kellerman, I am intrigued. 

Also, it is worth noting that Taika Waititi is signed on the write, direct and produce two separate Willy Wonka series for Netflix. THAT is something I am more interested in because it is taking place outside of the main wonka-verse AND Taika is a guy that has that Wonka energy.