Film

The First Photos Of Timothée Chalamet As Willy Wonka Have Landed And People Have Feelings

"I would be happier about this if the story wasn't 'Willy Wonka origin story' and instead was 'Young Ian McKellen attends first gay club'."

by Merryana Salem  12 October 2021
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Yesterday the internet was gifted its first glimpse of Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka and folks were either deeply horny or deeply confused. 

Chalamet is currently filming a Willy Wonka prequel, Wonka. The film was announced earlier this year with Timothée Chalamet attached as the titular Wonka. 

 

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A post shared by Timothée Chalamet (@tchalamet)

Fans’ first official look at Chalamet in the role came via the actor’s Instagram, captioned with a quote from Roald Dahl: “The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last…”.

Chalamet will be the third actor to play Willy Wonka: the first was Gene Wilder in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and the second was Johnny Depp in 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

As for the look itself? As per usual fans and non-fans alike went ape. Many were reckoning with the fact that Chalamet has somehow made the beloved chocolate maker…sexy? 

Others took the opportunity to argue which version of Willy Wonka is superior. Gene Wilder’s rendition is the original, but Johnny Depp’s Wonka had his fair share of defenders. Popular reactions to Chalamet’s Wonka also pointed out his fit is identical to that of Gonzo’s in the Muppet’s Christmas Carol. The resemblance is truly uncanny.

The red coat put others in mind of Bilbo Bagins’ iconic fit from The Hobbit films. It’s possible that there is only one dusty red coat in Hollywood. Who knows? There is no official synopsis of the film yet. However, the film will allegedly chronicle the early years of the iconic chocolatier, based on Roald Dahl’s original novel. 

Wonka is set to be directed by Paddington director, Paul King. The cast will include Rowan Atkinson, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally Hawkins, Olivia Colman and Matt Lucas.

Don’t worry though, there’s plenty of time to prepare for everyone thirsting over Roald Dahl’s beloved lolly-making version of Jigsaw. Wonka is not due for release until early 2023.