The brand new Wonka movie is finally in UK cinemas
Hugh Grant's rendition of the 'Oompa Loompa' song is unmatched 🎥 🍫
It's been a long time coming, but we can finally witness Timothée Chalamet star as the world renowned chocolate and confectionary connoisseur, Willy Wonka, in the brand new musical prequel - Wonka! With a stellar cast, TWO exciting trailers, movie posters and lots of teases, the movie has finally arrived in UK cinemas!
But how much do you know about the Willy Wonka prequel? From new revelations for the star-studded cast, to where it was filmed and what it will be about, we've gathered together pretty much everything we know about the new Wonka film...
When is Wonka out?
Although it's not due to be released in America until 15th December, Wonka was released here in the UK on Friday 8th December!
What is Wonka about?
The movie details the years before Wonka opened his world-renowned chocolate factory, exploring a young Mr Wonka's journey to becoming an illustrious candymaker. Introducing audiences to a young Willy Wonka, the irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle shows young Willy chock-full of ideas - determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time.
Within the film, we will reportedly be gifted with original songs, as well as the odd dance number here and there from Timothée himself!
Following extended footage being played at CinemaCon, in Las Vegas, on 25th April 2023, a reporter named Germain Lussier took to Twitter to reveal the extended play showed Wonka: 'originating all of his special chocolates against the will of an evil chocolate cartel. Ends with HUGH GRANT as an Oompa Loompa, the first one Willy meets. He sings for him. Looks very joyous and bright and fun.'
Who wrote the screenplay?
Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) & Paul King wrote the screenplay, based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl.
Is there a Wonka trailer?
Yes - in fact, there are two! Released on 11th July 2023, and then 12th October, the Wonka trailers show the highlights of the film, including Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa!
Watch the first trailer here:
Watch the second trailer here:
Who is in the Wonka cast?
First announced to appear in the film was award-winning actor Timothée Chalamet. In October 2021, the 27-year-old even gave us a sneak peak of his character, Willy Wonka, captioning the images: 'The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last ... 🏭WONKA🍫'.
There are some pretty huge names who appear in the Wonka film, with potentially the most surprising being none other than Love Actually and Bridget Jones legend Hugh Grant! In what may come as a shock, Hugh features as an Ooompa Loompa, with the second trailer offering a snippet of him singing the iconic 'Oompa Loompa' song!
With Timothée appearing on stage at CinemaCon in April 2023, he revealed that seeing Hugh in character was a "trip".
Other stars who appear in the film include The Crown's Olivia Coleman, Downton Abbey's Jim Carter and none other that Mr Bean himself, Rowan Atkinson.
Check out some of the Wonka cast:
Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet will be taking on the lead role of Mr Willy Wonka himself, with the actor teasing fans with his what his character will look like back in October. Hint, it includes a purple velvet coat, a top hat and a cane...
Olivia Colman
Back in September it was announced that Olivia Colman would be joining the cast, although her role in the film was not confirmed at the time. We can now confirm, however, that her character is called Mrs. Scrubitt.
Hugh Grant
It was revealed in April 2023 that Hugh was set to appear in the film as an Oompa Loompa! The Wonka trailer showed Hugh's character trapped in a tiny glass jar, with Wonka later hiring him to run his factory. The second trailer for the film then showed off Hugh's singing skills, as we hear a snippet of him singing the iconic 'Oompa Loompa' song.
Rowan Atkinson
Announced alongside Olivia was also none other than Mr Bean and Johnny English legend Rowan Atkinson. Similar to Olivia, Rowan's role in the film was not confirmed at the time of his casting announcement, however we now know that he will be playing the role of Father Julius.
Jim Carter
As if things couldn't get any better, Downton Abbey's Jim Carter will also be appearing in the film. He will be playing the role of Abacus Crunch.
Rakhee Thakrar
Sex Education's Rakhee Thakrar is also featuring in the upcoming film. After the actress confirmed that she will not be featured in Sex Education season four, for reasons she 'can't really talk about', fans were convinced she was working on the Wonka film! And to our joy, she was - with the movie posters revealing she's playing the role of Lottie Bell.
Matt Lucas
Little Britain star and Bake Off host Matt Lucas will also be appearing in the upcoming Wonka movie. The TV star was spotted on set donning a long brown jacket, a bowler hat, round glasses and a moustache - with his role later confirmed in the movie posters as Prodnose.
Paterson Joseph
BBC's Vigil star Paterson Joseph also joins the stellar line-up. Paterson was spotted alongside Matt Lucas as the pair filmed a scene for the upcoming film, also dressed in a trench coat and bowler hat. His character in the film is called Slugworth.
Tom Davis
Tom Davis also joins the line-up, with the actor/comedian being spotted filming scenes alongside Timothée (AKA Mr Wonka) himself! He will be playing the role of Bleacher.
Keegan-Michael Key
Known for his work in Comedy Central's Key & Peele and in USA Network's Playing House, Keegan-Michael Key is an award-winning actor who is also set to appear in the upcoming Wonka film. Keegan-Michael will be playing the Chief of Police in the film, and we get a closer look at him in action in the second trailer.
Mathew Baynton
English actor, writer, comedian and musician Mathew Baynton will also be appearing in the film, playing the role of Fickelgruber. Known for his appearance in shows such as Horrible Histories, Yonderland and Ghosts, we cannot wait to see him in the upcoming Wonka movie!
Simon Farnaby
Actor, comedian and Horrible Histories legend Simon Farnaby co-wrote the screenplay, and is also thought to be making an appearance in the film.
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Adding to the incredible cast list is award-winning actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE. Known for his impressive work in film, television and theatre, we can't wait to see Kobna in action!
Wonka movie posters:
Warner Bros. Pictures shared 14 movie posters on 12th October 2023 - showing off the stellar cast, who they will be portraying and even introduced brand new characters.
Although some of the characters had already been revealed in the first trailer, the posters offered up brand new sneak peeks at cast members such as Olivia Colman, Rowan Atkinson and Rakhee Thakrar.
What about the music?
As if things couldn't get any more exciting, The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon is providing the tunes for the prequel. According to the official announcement for the film, it'll explore the 'vivid, mythical beginnings of the imaginative young inventor before he becomes the renowned scrumdiddlyumptious Mozart of chocolate.'
Is Wonka in production now?
Work reportedly began back in September 2021, with fans spotting Timothée out and about in various filming locations.
Where was Wonka filmed?
Filming for the Wonka film took place in Lyme Regis, Bath. Production was also under way at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden - a studio complex in Watford, North West London. Fans even spotted leading actor Timothée donning the iconic purple velvet jacket.
Timothée was also seen filming for the upcoming movie at Oxford University! Co-stars Calah Lane and Hugh Grant were also spotted, reportedly.
And from what we can see so far, Timothée even has classic probs such as Wonka's cane, top hat and signature velvet jacket.
When was Wonka announced?
Warner Bros. first announced that they would be reopening the chocolate factory doors back in 2016. Since then, we discovered Paul King, who directed Paddington, has been signed on to direct the film.
In the following years, it was announced that Timothée Chalamet would be taking on the leading role, with other cast members such as Sex Education's Rakhee Thakrar, Vigil's Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Tom Davis, Simon Farnaby and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith joining the bill.
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WONKA
Release date: 15th December
The highly-anticipated WONKA film was FINALLY with us in December 2023. The film, starring Timothée Chalamet as the master chocolatier, details the years before Wonka opened his world-renowned chocolate factory, exploring his journey to becoming an illustrious candymaker. With a totally star-studded cast, it's a staple in the 2023 film catalogue.
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Wonka is available in UK cinemas now.
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