Wonka

Wonka is a 2023 musical fantasy film directed by Paul King, who co-wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby, based on a story by King. It tells the origin story of Willy Wonka, a character in the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, featuring his early days as a chocolatier.

The movie marks the third in the film franchise based off the book following Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Unlike those films, this isn't an adaptation but an original story. While it carries elements that has it come off as a prequel to the 1971 version, the style and world building here indicates an alternate reality. The film stars Timothée Chalamet in the title role, along with newcomer Calah Lane and an ensemble cast including Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman and Hugh Grant.

Development began after Warner Bros. Pictures, which previously released its own adaptation of the 1964 novel in 2005, acquired the rights to the titular character in October 2016 and revealed the film would serve as an origin story for Wonka. In May 2021, Chalamet was confirmed to be playing Wonka and the supporting cast were announced in September of that year. Principal photography began in the United Kingdom in September 2021. Filming took place in Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in Watford, as well as Oxford, Lyme Regis, Bath, St Albans and at the Rivoli Ballroom in Crofton Park, London. The original songs for the film were contributed by Neil Hannon, while its original score was provided by Joby Talbot.

Wonka had its world premiere in London at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, on November 28, 2023, and was released in the United Kingdom on December 8. It is set to be released in the United States on December 15, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film received generally positive reviews from critics. Chalamet was nominated for a Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 81st Golden Globe Awards.

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