Timothée Chalamet's Parents Declare ‘Wonka’ As Their Favorite Of His Movies

Timothée Chalamet is bringing a fresh take to the character of Wonka, distinctly different from the versions portrayed by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. In this new rendition, Chalamet embodies a younger and more idealistic Willy Wonka, offering a unique perspective on the iconic character. 

“Wonka” serves as a prequel to Roald Dahl's timeless 1964 book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” In this cinematic journey, we follow a young and optimistic Willy Wonka, portrayed by Chalamet, who sets out to open his own chocolate shop in London. 

However, his sweet dreams face a bitter challenge as a powerful cartel with a monopoly on sweets threatens his venture. The plot promises a captivating narrative that unveils the origins of the beloved chocolate factory owner.

Behind the scenes, director Paul King is the creative mind steering the ship. Inspired by the success of his heartwarming "Paddington" films, King was approached to helm the Wonka origin story.

“I love musicals, so it wasn’t a tough call,” King says. “I had this idea of a young man trying to be Willy Wonka, but he’s not quite there. His hat’s battered, his overcoat tattered and there’s holes in his boots. He’s like Charlie Chaplin in that movie ‘The Immigrant,’ in the sense that he’s coming to a new world with hopes and dreams.”

Many might not know that Timothée Chalamet loved watching Johnny Depp's Wonka in the 2005 movie and Gene Wilder's legendary performance in the 1971 original film. Growing up with these portrayals, he brings genuine admiration to his own take on the character. Chalamet appreciates director Paul King's heartfelt approach, showcasing Wonka not as a reclusive figure but as an optimistic soul.

“I remember reading the script and immediately understanding that one of the crucial aspects of the character was his undying spirit and ambition,” Chalamet says. “It was a total inverse of that Willy Wonka with a demented look in his eye that we all know. How would that character have started, to land in a place where he’s still childlike but sort of broken?”

Director Paul King aimed for a dazzling show with original songs, including candy man spectacles in the town square. Inspired by classic Hollywood musicals, he pays homage to Wilder's film with favorites like “Pure Imagination” and new Oompa Loompa tunes performed by Hugh Grant.

King found out he can sing and dance on YouTube, discovering this after Chalamet's breakthrough in “Call Me By Your Name.” An old high school video even emerged, showing Chalamet rapping about statistics as Lil Timmy Tim, his hip-hop alter ego.

In fact, Chalamet is no stranger to musical theater. A New York native, he attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he played roles like Emcee in "Cabaret" and Oscar in “Sweet Charity.” Our Willy Wonka brings not just chocolate but a musical flair to the big screen.

“Wonka” held a special place in Chalamet's heart, and he attributes his performance to his former teacher Sandy Faison from LaGuardia and his late grandmother, who passed away during filming. After recent dark roles in “Dune” and “Bones and All,” this film is a chance for him to reveal a sweeter side to a broader audience.

“This is my mom and dad’s favorite project I’ve ever been in. They’re thrilled,” Chalamet also shares. “Ten years ago, this is what I thought I’d be in, tone-wise. My mom has been encouraging me to do a play for the last 10, 12 years. And my dad, too, he goes, ‘Wow. There’s a smile on your face, finally.’”

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