Timothée Chalamet's Approach to the Willy Wonka Reboot: More Than Just a Money Grab
Timothée Chalamet expresses initial concerns about the Wonka reboot being perceived solely as a 'money grab' before diving into the script
Timothée Chalamet, the lead in Wonka, has expressed concerns about the reboot feeling like a mere cash grab. The highly anticipated second reboot of the classic children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, titled Wonka, is scheduled to debut this winter, much to the delight of fans.
Timothée Chalamet stars in the film as a young Willy Wonka, tracing his journey as he establishes his candy empire from the beginning. Despite excitement from fans about the new musical, Chalamet initially had reservations about taking on the lead role, concerned about maintaining authenticity.
Warner Bros.
Chalamet said reboot could be money grab before reading script
While promoting his upcoming film, Chalamet opened up to Games Radar about his initial hesitation to take on the role of Willy Wonka in a reboot, expressing his protective feelings towards the original character and his skepticism about whether the new version would do justice to the beloved story.
His opinion of the movie shifted when he discovered more about it, expressing, "But when I read the first three pages of the script, and the song 'Hat Full of Dreams' was included, there was no music but the lyrics were incredibly clever."
"It's about this young Willy, who wasn't at all like the disillusioned, cynical character we see in the previous two films, but was hopeful, ambitious, determined, and maybe a little naive. I think that's very clever."
Chalamet continued, "I have a passion for musical theatre and I truly enjoy singing and dancing. I'm also a fan of classic Fred Astaire movies and the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder. I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to be part of a project like this, but Paul King is an exceptional director that you just can't refuse."
While Wonka stands out in Chalamet's list of projects, it's not unexpected that he would be chosen for a vibrant and music-filled film, considering his numerous viral high school musical videos that seem to confirm he was destined to play the role of Wonka.
Wonka premieres in theaters on December 15 in the US. To check out more of Dexerto’s TV and movie coverage, click here.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the upcoming Wonka reboot starring Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet's concerns about the film being perceived as a mere money grab resonate with me, as I too am wary of Hollywood's tendency to prioritize profit over quality. However, his positive comments about the script and his passion for musical theater give me hope that Wonka will be a faithful and enjoyable adaptation of the classic children's book.
I appreciate Chalamet's thoughtful approach to the role and his desire to stay true to the original character. His enthusiasm for the project and his admiration for the classic Fred Astaire movies and the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder further demonstrate his commitment to delivering a high-quality film. I believe that Chalamet's talent and passion will shine through in his portrayal of the young Willy Wonka, and I can't wait to see him bring this iconic character to life on the big screen.
