Willy Wonka reboot and sequels coming from Harry Potter producers, angering Gene Wilder fans
Charlie Bucket will not feature in the upcoming film
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There are two major complaints currently being directed at most major Hollywood studios; they are making too many reboots and too many sequels, showing a lack of pure imagination.
Instead of distancing themselves from such critiques, Warner Bros. has whole-heartedly embraced both, announcing a new Willy Wonka film with potential for multiple sequels.
David Heyman is teaming up once again with Warner Bros., having worked with them previously on the Harry Potter series.
According to Variety, a source revealed the story will not be an origin tale but a ‘standalone movie focused on Wonka and his early adventures’. Charlie Bucket will likely not feature in the film but - if the film is a hit - the character will likely appear in future sequels.
Roald Dahl only penned two books featuring Wonka, 1964’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the 1972 sequel Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, but neither will act as inspiration for the first film.
Wonka has appeared on the big screen twice before, most recently in Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation of the story with Johnny Depp in the role. Famously, Gene Wilder also played the character in the 1971 musical Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
The actor died earlier this year, on the 29 August, with some fans outraged Warner Bros. would announce a new Wonka film so soon after his death. One fan wrote: “I wish they wouldn't do Willy Wonka AGAIN. Nobody will ever be as great as Gene Wilder.”
As-yet, there are no actors or directors on board the project. Following Wilder’s death, numerous stories about the actor were published online, including how he came up with his iconic Wonka entrance.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments