Timothée Chalamet set to play Willy Wonka in upcoming prequel film

Virgin Radio

25 May 2021, 16:02

It's hard to think of a young Willy Wonka but it's all about to become a bit less sticky and a bit more clear. Timothée Chalamet has been confirmed as the man to lead the chocolate-paved way in the new film set to explore the inventor's past.

Deadline has revealed that the Oscar-nominated actor is on board to take on the iconic role in the Warner Bros’s new movie musical Wonka based on the sweet-maker before he opens the factory, along with dancing and singing to show off Chalamet's musical skills.

Paul King has co-written the screenplay with Paddington 2's Simon Farnaby. Willy Wonka was first played by the iconic Gene Wilder in 1971 then given a makeover in 2005 in Tim Burton’s version starring Johnny Depp.

The Willy Wonka prequel has had rumours surrounding it for years with the likes of Ryan Gosling, Donald Glover, Ezra Miller and Tom Holland previously in the running to play the infamous chocolatier.

Wonka is currently set for release in March 2023.