Written by Kianna Best on Jul 13, 2023. Posted in Production News

Willy Wonka returns in new whimsical trailer

Two years ago a top hatted Timothee Chalamet was snapshotted shooting in Dorset for the upcoming Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory reiteration. This week the Dune actor traded in the dust covered cloaks for the signature long red one in the new Wonka trailer. Taking on the role once held by Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder, Chalamet brings an optimistic interpretation of the character promising a story full of whimsy. The film is set for release on 15 December 2023.

With all the usual ingredients, from Oompa Loompas to oozing canals of chocolate, Wonka touches on all the points of familiarity for the story that has reappeared throughout generations. But much like it predecessors, the 2023 iteration is sure to take its swing at things. Whilst Wilder original take on the character brought an eerie undertone to the otherwise sweet and sugar coated tour of his factory guests, and Depp’s attempt sat amidst a convoluted backstory between father and son, the two followed many of the same narrative directions. Wonka, however, goes back to the origins of the confectioner and explores the extent of where the imagination can take you.

Set in the 1930’s, filming for Wonka, which took place in 2021, travelled to England, including areas such as Bath, Hertfordshire, St Albans, Berkshire and Dorset. With additional set constructions to emphasise the surrounding area, residents of Lyme Regis, Dorset caught some of the first glimpses of Chalamet’s Wonka, along with a couple of his co-stars, Michael Key and Matt Lucas. Other cast members include Hugh Grant as the infamous Oompa Loompa, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Coleman, Paterson Joseph, Mathew Baynton and many more.

BAFTA nominated director Paul King, known for his work on Paddington,  takes to the helm of the film, bringing the screenplay written by himself, Roald Dahl, Simon Farnaby, Simon Rich and Jeff Nathanson to life. Producers include David Heyman, Alexandra Ferguson Derbyshire, Michael Siegel and Luke Kelly.

Images courtesy of Warner Bros Media