Timothée Chalamet to Play Young Willy Wonka in Warner Bros. Origin Story 'Wonka'

Timothée Chalamet will play a young version of the candy-making genius in Warner Bros.' upcoming 'Wonka,' which will tell the beloved character's origin story.

May 24, 2021

Timothée Chalamet has been cast as Willy Wonka, and as Veruca Salt sings in the original film, we want it now.

As reported by Deadline, Chalamet will play the candy-making genius in the upcoming Wonka, brought together by Warner Bros. and the Roald Dahl Story Co.

The film, which is set to be directed by Paul King, will follow a young Wonka before he opens his chocolate factory. The screenplay was written by Simon Farnaby, with David Heyman producing via Heyday Films. Luke Kelly is also producining, while Michael Siegel and Alexandra Derbyshire are on board as executive producers.

Per Deadline, Tom Holland was also in the running to star as the titular character, but WB set its sights set on Timmy for this one. Sources told Deadline that the film will include some musical numbers, which means we’ll finally get to see Chalamet flex his singing and dancing chops.

Before we see him as Wonka, the Oscar nominee will appear in the upcoming Wes Anderson film The French Dispatch, and Denis Villeneuve’s hugely anticipated sci-fi epic Dune, And while he has been locked in to play Bob Dylan in Going Electric, production was postponed due to COVID.

Wonka will be WB’s third go at an adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book. The first release, of course, was 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder in the titular role. In 2005, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released with Johnny Depp starring as Wonka and Tim Burton in the director’s chair.