Exclusive: Director Reveals Exciting Updates on Wonka 2 and Unreleased Roald Dahl Stories!

Summary

Director Paul King is open to the possibility of a sequel to Wonka, drawing from unreleased work by author Roald Dahl.

Wonka will offer a fresh origin story for Willy Wonka without directly laying the groundwork for future installments.

The manner in which a potential sequel would progress remains uncertain, but possibilities could encompass a new rendition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or an interpretation of Dahl's sequel book, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.

Wonka director Paul King has addressed the potential for a sequel film, which may draw inspiration from unpublished works by author Roald Dahl. Starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic Willy Wonka, the movie chronicles the character's journey to becoming a celebrated chocolatier. Scheduled for release on December 15, 2023, the film offers a fresh backstory for the beloved character from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

During an interview with Total Film (via GamesRadar), King discussed the possibility of a Wonka sequel, indicating that it could incorporate material from Dahl's unpublished writings. However, he made it clear that Wonka will be a standalone film and will not pave the way for any future sequels, distinguishing it from Chalamet's other movie, Dune. Read King's exact words below:

Dahl's interest in challenging Willy Wonka was evident. He explored various drafts that ultimately didn't progress, along with a brief short story. While Dahl didn't typically write sequels, it was clear that he believed there was untapped potential in this particular book. We possess a treasure trove of additional Wonka stories that we are eager to share. Unlike "Dune: Part One," where the storyline continues seamlessly into Part Two, our goal is for this film to be a remarkable standalone experience. Nonetheless, I am certainly eager to delve further into this enchanting world and encounter more delightful Oompa Loompas.

What Could Wonka 2 Look Like?

Given the exploration of Willy Wonka's backstory in Wonka, it remains uncertain how a sequel would further progress the narrative. With King confirming the absence of any deliberate open-endedness in the film, the possibility of a sequel remains unclear. As Wonka's conclusion is yet to be revealed, it is impossible to determine the direction a potential sequel would take.

One potential direction for a sequel could involve a new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake, featuring an older actor for the role of Wonka. This could then pave the way for an adaptation of Dahl's sequel novel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, which has yet to be brought to the big screen or television. It's worth noting that if any of these options involving remakes or adaptations were pursued, Chalamet would likely no longer portray Wonka.

Another possibility to explore would be to delve into the backstory of the Oompa Loompa characters, despite the controversy surrounding Hugh Grant's casting. However, this avenue may also mean that Chalamet's Wonka takes a more peripheral role. Without knowledge of how the first film's story unfolds, it is challenging to speculate on the direction a follow-up film might take. Only King himself truly knows what aspects a Wonka sequel would focus on and what stories would serve as inspiration.

Source: Total Film (via GamesRadar)