The First Photos Of Timothée Chalamet As Willy Wonka Have The Internet All Worked Up

Willy Wonka is one hell of a guy. So, when casting the character from Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory in a film, you have to think long and hard about which actors can do the kooky candy factory owner justice. Gene Wilder did it first in 1971, followed by Johnny Depp in 2005. And now, none other than Timothée Chalamet will don the famous purple jacket and top hat in the upcoming prequel story of Willy Wonka.

What is Wonka about?

Now we don’t know too much about exactly what Wonka will be about, but we do know it will cover the origin story of Willy Wonka, so it will provide us with an insight into how this eccentric began his journey into becoming the King Of Chocolate. From the 2005 film’s flashbacks into Willy’s childhood, we know he’s estranged from his dentist father, who forbade him from having sweets and chocolate as a child. After trying sweets for the first time, Willy becomes obsessed with all things sweet and runs away from home. So, we’re guessing there’ll be more insight into Willy’s life as a teenager; surviving on his own without his parents.

The Wonka cast

Alongside Timothée, the rest of cast is made up of some other amazing actors. These include Olivia Colman, Paddington star Sally Hawkins, Downton Abbey's Jim Carter, Rowan Atkinson, Sex Education’s Rakhee Thakrar, Patterson Joseph from Peep Show and Vigil, Keegan-Michael Key from The Lion King and White Lotus’ Natasha Rothwell.

The release date for Wonka

Alas, we’ll have to wait until 17 March 2023 to watch Wonka. Booooooooooooooo.

Reactions to Wonka

Call Me By Your Name, Little Women and Dune actor Timothée recently shared a photo of him dressed to the nines as a young Willy Wonka in a preview for the film, which is due for release in 2023. We know – that’s ages away. But even just this sneak peek on his Instagram, plus photos of him filming in Dorset have got social media all riled up for it, and we’re here for it.