Warner Bros.’ upcoming Wonka film, which will serve as a prequel to Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, just added the hilarious Keegan-Michael Key to its cast.
Wonka will be directed by Paul King, who is known for his work on the critically acclaimed children’s films Paddington and Paddington 2, and stars Timothée Chalamet in the titular role singing and dancing. The Warner Bros. film will explore Willy Wonka’s early years before he meets the Oompa Loompas and becomes the well-known eccentric owner of the famous chocolate factory.
Deadline reports details about Key’s character are still under wraps, as are the other characters that will be featured in the film. King is writing the film’s script with Simon Farnaby, who acted in films like Your Highness and Christopher Robin and also helped write Paddington 2. Primetime Emmy winner Key is known for his hit Comedy Central series Key & Peele, where he worked alongside Jordan Peele (now known for his directing work on films like Get Out and Us).
Since Wonka is still ways away, currently slated for a March 2023 release date, audiences will have to wait a little bit longer for any details or footage to latch on to. Reportedly, all that is known about Wonka is that it will be the first entry in Roald Dahl’s cinematic universe featuring well-known characters. Chalamet’s maturity as an actor mixed with his boyish mannerisms seem to be a perfect fit for Willy Wonka, and he will surely bring an exciting new approach to this character that wasn’t seen in Gene Wilder’s or Johnny Depp’s portrayals
After his breakout role in Call Me By Your Name, Chalamet has continued to land big-time roles, now starring in Wes Anderson’s upcoming The French Dispatch and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. His take on Wonka will certainly be anticipated by fans of his already impressive resume.
Wonka is currently scheduled to be released in theaters on March 7, 2023.
Source: Deadline
