“Every good thing in this world started with a dream, so you hold onto yours.”

Based off British author Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” 1971’s  “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” holds a very special place in the hearts of fans around the world.  Gene Wilder’s portrayal of the eccentric chocolatier is one of those performances that resonates with lovers of the film, still, 52 years later. 

Today, Warner Brothers Pictures has released the first trailer for the prequel to the 1971 classic, simply titled, “Wonka.” Timothée Chalamet plays a young Willy Wonka, just starting his journey into the magical world of chocolate.  Here is the trailer along with some words by Warner.

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 and Luke Kelly, 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.

Starring alongside Chalamet are Calah Lane, Emmy and Peabody Award winner Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins,  Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, with Oscar winner Olivia Colman. The film also stars Natasha Rothwell, Rich Fulcher, Rakhee Thakrar, Tom Davis and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.

Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”) & Paul King wrote the screenplay, based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl. Michael Siegel, Cate Adams, Rosie Alison and Tim Wellspring are serving as executive producers. King’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Chung-Hoon Chung (“Last Night in Soho,” “Ah-ga-ssi”); Oscar-nominated production designer Nathan Crowley (“Tenet,” “Dunkirk”); editor Mark Everson (the “Paddington” films); Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (the “Paddington” films, “Topsy-Turvy”); and composer Joby Talbot (the “Sing” films).

Neil Hannon of the band The Divine Comedy is writing original songs for the film. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Heyday Films Production, a Paul King Confection, “Wonka,” set to open in theaters and in IMAX internationally beginning in December 2023 and in North America on December 15, 2023.

Wonka

We can’t wait to see more of Hugh Grant’s Oompa Loompa and we are ready to go on this magical journey this December.  What are your thoughts?