Wonka is back!

[Buzz Rules]

Can the Wonka bar come back to stores again? I really miss those (they used to sell them in WDW in the Land).

 

[lynxstch]

That looks awesome! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Cadiewampus]

My son just mentioned to me last night a new Wonka was coming out. I thought why are they doing another remake? Had no idea of the plot. This is one I want to see.

 

[tvguy]

No interest. The first Willie Wonka broke the mold.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Oooh, this sounds fun!

 

[sam_gordon]

So this is a prequel to the (various versions of) "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)?

That's the impression I get. If so, I'd like to see it, possibly in theaters. If not, and it's just a retelling of Charlie's story, I'll wait until streaming.

Although if this IS a prequel, and assuming it's successful, does that open the door to make it a trilogy and advance the story AFTER Charlie takes over the factory?

 

[TwoMisfits]

No interest. The first Willie Wonka broke the mold.

I don't see how this trailer ever gets you to the start of the book - like, why need a kid (Charlie) to inherit the business, when it seems like there's one already set to do so as the main point of this movie (you can help her)...

 

[sam_gordon]

I don't see how this trailer ever gets you to the start of the book - like, why need a kid (Charlie) to inherit the business, when it seems like there's one already set to do so as the main point of this movie (you can help her)...

I would assume something at the end of Wonka shows the "new" kid out of the story somehow. Maybe that's what makes Wonka a recluse?

 

[SirDuff]

So this is a prequel to the (various versions of) "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)?

That's the impression I get. If so, I'd like to see it, possibly in theaters. If not, and it's just a retelling of Charlie's story, I'll wait until streaming.

Although if this IS a prequel, and assuming it's successful, does that open the door to make it a trilogy and advance the story AFTER Charlie takes over the factory?

Like Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator?

 

[sam_gordon]

Like Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator?

That title sounds vaguely familiar. It was a book, wasn't it?

 

[Moliphino]

I can't stand Timothee Chalamet, so I'll stay well away from this one.

 

[SirDuff]

That title sounds vaguely familiar. It was a book, wasn't it?

It was the sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Yes, a book. By Roald Dahl.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Ohhh, I think they need to emphasise and BOLD the fact it is a part two into the name somehow. My first instinct was to reject it as a do-over on principle, and almost missed it but now I'll watch, I really liked him in Dune.

 

[Mysterian]

How many movies does Hugh Grant play an Oompa Loompa now? Try a little range, dude.

 

[disney-inspired]

No interest. The first Willie Wonka broke the mold.

I didn't even finish the trailer. First Willie Wonka is my favorite and can't accept anyone other than Gene Wilder in that role.

Also, maybe an unpopular opinion Timothee Chalamet has about as much Willy Wonka charm as a rock. I think it's terrible casting job.

 

[spewey]

We (my wife and DD) are suspicious as well, as the original was perfect.

No need IMHO for the Tim Burton remake. It was made in part to hew closer to the novel - Dahl famously did not care for all the changes David Seltzer and the director made for the first Wonka film, going so far as to "disown" it, although Dahl of course didn't return his cheque and is still credited with the screenplay. Personally, I feel that the film is clearly superior to the book - certainly less offensive than the original version, a copy of which I own.

However, this new one ("Wonka"), from what I've read, is intended to honour and expand upon the original film. And the people behind it - Paul King and Simon Farnaby - are firmly amongst the leading lights of subversive British comic storytelling. They've contributed to in one way or another (writing, acting or directing) Garth Maranghi, The Mighty Boosh, Ghosts, Detectorists, Horrible Histories, and Paddington and Paddington 2 (one of the best reviewed films ever on Rotten Tomatoes). And the original Wonka film was nothing if not subversive.

 

[Mysterian]

However, this new one ("Wonka"), from what I've read, is intended to honour and expand upon the original film. And the people behind it - Paul King and Simon Farnaby - are firmly amongst the leading lights of subversive British comic storytelling. They've contributed to in one way or another (writing, acting or directing) Garth Maranghi, The Mighty Boosh, Ghosts, Detectorists, Horrible Histories, and Paddington and Paddington 2 (one of the best reviewed films ever on Rotten Tomatoes). And the original Wonka film was nothing if not subversive.

I like Garth Marenghi and the Mighty Boosh, but I get the feeling the studios will water those creative talents down to a more accessible, tepid vision. Overall I just sense a hack job in the works, with a chance for WB to merchandise this to bits.

The trailer gives me more of a Fantastic Creatures vibe than something Wonka-related.

 

[spewey]

I like Garth Marenghi and the Mighty Boosh, but I get the feeling the studios will water those creative talents down to a more accessible, tepid vision. Overall I just sense a hack job in the works, with a chance for WB to merchandise this to bits.

The trailer gives me more of a Fantastic Creatures vibe than something Wonka-related.

Wow - a fellow Maranghi fan! Not many of us.

I hear your concerns, but I guess I have a little more hope. Now it may not turn out to be good, but I am betting the studio gave King and Farnaby a lot of creative control - I think King has final cut actually. I've seen Farnaby interviewed a couple times, and he doesn't seem to be the sort of person to work on a project that involves a lot of meddling. And they let them do whatever they wanted with Paddington, which was a long-beloved character with massive merchandising prior to the films, and the results were pretty amazing.

 

[AppleDumpling]

I saw the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as a kid in 1971 and loved it, so can relate to those who don’t appreciate messing with classics. A sentimental favorite from my childhood.

I also saw the remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with DS, who was about the same age when it came out as I was with Willy Wonka. I didn’t care much for it, though a closer adaptation to Dahl’s book, including some backstory of Willy’s childhood, and a decidedly darker tone, matching Tim Burton’s style. I couldn’t get past the creepy and disturbing Johnny Depp as Willy, in contrast to the Gene Wilder character who was eccentric, but kind-hearted and lovable in the end. I’m biased of course, but IMO, Wilder’s performance was stronger and who doesn’t love him singing “Pure Imagination”?

Not sure I want to see this new version, but I might out of curiosity.

 

[HopperFan]

I saw the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as a kid in 1971 and loved it, so can relate to those who don’t appreciate messing with classics. A sentimental favorite from my childhood.

I also saw the remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with DS, who was about the same age when it came out as I was with Willy Wonka. I didn’t care much for it, though a closer adaptation to Dahl’s book, including some backstory of Willy’s childhood, and a decidedly darker tone, matching Tim Burton’s style. I couldn’t get past the creepy and disturbing Johnny Depp as Willy, in contrast to the Gene Wilder character who was eccentric, but kind-hearted and lovable in the end. I’m biased of course, but IMO, Wilder’s performance was stronger and who doesn’t love him singing “Pure Imagination”?

Not sure I want to see this new version, but I might out of curiosity.

SAME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gene Wilder Willy Wonka is pure treasure and should never ever be remade ..... so this movie makes me nervous as it is skirting close to the line. I lost count how many times I've seen.

Tim Burton - love him, totally my people - so I watched it from a completely different perspective, as you say more Dahl and less whimsy and love!

SO I've been watching the trailers and have very very mixed feelings. It looks like whimsy, it looks like a great segway into the movie I love. DS says it is Broadway, Matilda style and thinks it will be good.

My main issue - Timothée Chalamet. Visually he could be a young Gene Wilder, that works. BUT .... I'm not a huge fan. His voice is too high, it doesn't work for the character. And he just isn't selling me on the character, like he's just reading for the part in the trailers. I hope that the film does well and doesn't tarnish the story but not sure he can convince us he's Willy Wonka. Loved Hugh Grant bit.