Have we so soon forgotten the harm caused by Johnny Depp’s twisted turn as Willy Wonka?
After years of rumors, Warner Bros. announced on Tuesday that a prequel film for Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is in the works, with an arrival date already set for March 2023, according to Deadline. Later, Collider added speculation that Timothée Chalamet, 25, and Tom Holland, 24, are being considered for the role of Willy Wonka famously — and perfectly — portrayed by Gene Wilder in 1971 during the first cinematic adaptation of the children’s book, titled “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”
“Paddington” director Paul King is slated to lead the new film, dubbed “Wonka,” with plans to begin production this fall.
Tim Burton’s 2005 remake, first distributed by Paramount before moving to Warner Bros, received mostly positive reviews upon release, though many comments were directed toward Depp’s bizarre take on the classic literary figure. Rolling Stone called his performance in the $475 million movie “deliciously demented.” Meanwhile, the Washington Post critic claimed Depp’s “straining” for eccentricity “feels like those excruciating occasions when your parents tried to be hip.”
As it turns out, armchair critics of the internet are similarly dubious of whoever is so brave to take on the unknown — a young Willy Wonka.
“Yes, Gene Wilder was perfect. But I think the bigger discussion is that the more you explain Willy Wonka, the less interesting he becomes as a character,” wrote writer and anime scholar Zack Davisson on Twitter. “Willy Wonka should have no prequel, no explanation, no motivation. He is an absolute mystery, which lends him power.”
Comedy vlogger Steve Zaragoza mocked the idea of Wonka’s entrepreneurial growth as king of candy.
“I remember loving Willy Wonka as a kid, but longing for an entire additional movie that explains how he acquired the building, permits, and business license to start a candy manufacturing plant,” he tweeted.
“Why does willy wonka need to be reimagined as young and f - - kable?” asked comedian Caleb Hearon.
Writer Jill Gutowitz countered Hearon’s point with a bold name actor that no one’s considered yet — but maybe really should.
“Cast cate blanchett as willy wonka you f - - king cowards.”