To celebrate the release of Wonka, which is now in UK cinemas and next week in the US, we had the pleasure of chatting with some cast and filmmakers about the magical new prequel to the 1971 classic.
We reviewed the film – and LOVED it.
Based on the extraordinary character at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book is one of the best-selling children’s books ever. From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Chatting to stars Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Davis, Matthew Baynton and Paterson Joseph, we talk about stepping into the “real” world of Wonka and the incredible sets, working with Chamalet and why they believe it is his best role yet, the magic of the story and why Wonka’s dreams still ring true all these years later, working with Paul King and his unique ability to make heartwarming, spectacular films and much more in between, including much chocolate talk.
Next, we chat with director Paul King and co-writer Simon Farnaby about their latest team-up, the daunting task of bringing Wonka back to the big screen, the wonder of Roald Dahl’s work, and how they manage to fill in many gaps to make the new story, casting Chalamet and their re-team with Hugh Grant and how they managed to persuade him to play an Oompa Loompa.
Wonka is out now in UK cinemas.
