Fans of a classic can expect a fresh take in “Wonka,” a prequel to Roald Dahl’s beloved “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” starring Timothée Chalamet.
A newly released trailer for the film, which is set to premier in December, promises adventure and a peek into the background of an iconic character’s ingenuity. The first trailer is full of glimpses into the fantastical, including flying children, giant floating balloons and giraffes galivanting in the streets.
Initial shots treat viewers to Chalamet dressed in titular character Willy Wonka’s well-recognized brown top hat and velvety purple coat. A young man with a passion for creating and selling chocolate, Chalamet’s character is determined to create the “greatest chocolate shop the world has ever seen.”
‘Barbie’ movie preview:Ahead of 2023’s new ‘Barbie’ movie, a look at the iconic doll’s history
What is “Wonka” about?
“Wonka” will serve as a prequel to the story told in Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and again in the 1971 movie-musical starring Gene Wilder and the 2005 remake starring Johnny Depp.
Both a musical and a prelude, the movie is described in marketing materials as a telling of “the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.” It is promised to be an “intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion.”
In one trailer scene, the young Wonka can be seen sharing his newest discovery, candy that allows people to fly, a possible nod to the original movie in which Charlie and his grandfather float after drinking Willy Wonka’s fizzy soda. In another, Chalamet speaks to an Oompa Loompa played by Hugh Grant, a detail that caught the attention of YouTube commentors.
Christopher Nolan’s ‘OppenheimerExclusive footage: Why Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ is ‘the most important story of our time’
“Wonka” director, cast and crew
“Wonka” is directed by Paul King, writer and director of the “Paddington” films, David Heyman, producer of “Harry Potter,” and producers Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly.
Written by Simon Rich, the film also stars Calah Lane, Emmy and Peabody Award winner Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Natasha Rothwell, Rich Fulcher, Rakhee Thakrar, Tom Davis, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
“Wonka” trailer
“Wonka” release date
“Wonka” is set to be released only in theaters on December 15 by Warner Bros. Pictures.
