The first images for “Wonka” have been unveiled, giving us a glimpse of Hugh Grant as a small Oompa-Loompa and Timothée Chalamet embracing his role as Willy Wonka. This musical takes us back to the early days of Willy Wonka before he opened his renowned chocolate factory, as depicted in Roald Dahl’s book “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
Entertainment Weekly and People have recently released these new images, providing more insight into the film and offering a closer look at its characters.
Among the released images, one features Grant as a tiny Oompa-Loompa confined within a glass jar, while teasing us with musical sequences led by Chalamet. Another image introduces a new character named Noodle (Calah Lane), who is seen floating in the air, holding Wonka’s hand.
“Wonka” is written and directed by Paul King, known for his work on “Paddington” and “Paddington 2.” In addition to Chalamet, Grant, and Lane, the cast includes talented actors such as Keegan Michael-Key, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, Natasha Rothwell, Tom Davis, and others. Paterson Joseph will also join the film as Arthur Slugworth, one of Wonka’s rival chocolate makers.
Promising to be an entertaining film, “Wonka” explores the early days of Willy Wonka’s chocolate business, set 25 years before the events of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
As a precursor to the original story, it is likely to delve into the journey of how Wonka becomes a reclusive factory owner. Chalamet has confirmed that he will perform seven musical numbers in the movie, reminiscent of the 1971 film adaptation led by Gene Wilder.
While not much is known about the exact plot of “Wonka” at this point, fans can anticipate the release of a trailer in the near future. This will provide further context to the recently revealed images. For now, it appears that “Wonka” aims to capture the magic of the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” while establishing its own unique identity.
