Warner Bros. Rounds Out “Wonka” Cast
Warner Bros. prequel Wonka, which is set to star Timothée Chalamet in the titular role of the eccentric chocolatier, has added a few more names to its already impressive cast, according to Deadline.
Sally Hawkins, Olivia Colman and Jim Carter have all been announced as joining the project, which is still in pre-production, though who they’ll be playing wasn’t announced. Most notably, however, is that famed British funnyman Rowan Atkinson has also signed on for an undisclosed role. Given the comedians penchant for interesting characters and unique voice work, it’s quite possible he could be this versions iteration of the Oompa Loompa.
They join a wide ranging ensemble that already includes Peabody Award winner Keegan-Michael Key (The Prom, Key & Peele) Mathew Baynton (The Wrong Mans, Ghosts), Tom Davis (Paddington 2, King Gary), Simon Farnaby (the Paddington films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Ellie White (The Other One, The Windsors) Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Paddington 2, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Mary Poppins Returns), Paterson Joseph (Vigil, Noughts + Crosses), Emmy and, Calah Lane (The Day Shall Come), Natasha Rothwell (White Lotus, Insecure), and Rakhee Thakrar (Sex Education, Four Weddings and a Funeral).
The story is set to follow Willy Wonka in his early days, before he opened his candy factory in London, and, as such, will be before the events of the Roald Dahl’s children’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which has already seen two adaptions, the first starring Gene Wilder in 1971, which has become a fan favorite, and the second featuring Johnny Depp in the main role in 2005, which has developed something of a cult following, but was considered something of a misfire upon release.
Notably, this prequel will see Chalamet sing and dance on-screen for the first time, and his casting in the role has been largely lauded since its announcement. Paddington filmmaker Paul King will direct from a screenplay he wrote with Simon Farnaby, while David Heyman and Luke Kelly are producing. Wonka is currently set for release in March of 2023.
