Timothée Chalamet Unveils the Uniqueness of His 'Wonka' in Comparison to Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp's Interpretations | MarkMeets | Celebrity News, Music, Movies, TV, London Film Premieres

The legacy of Willy Wonka on the silver screen is extensive, and Timothée Chalamet is eagerly contributing to the cultural fabric of this iconic character in the upcoming film, Wonka.

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Embracing the Iconic Role

Chalamet, alongside co-star Hugh Grant, engaged in a discussion with ET’s Cassie DiLaura during a press day in London, shedding light on the exhilaration of portraying the legendary chocolatier. The 27-year-old actor acknowledged the weight of stepping into the shoes of a character immortalized by Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Johnny Depp in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).

“I grew up on that Gene Wilder film, and I’m hugely admiring of the Tim Burton/Johnny version,” Chalamet shared. “And this [version] is different. This is the origin [of] Wonka.”

A Distinctive Origin Story

Chalamet clarified that Wonka is not a retelling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Acknowledging the skepticism surrounding new interpretations of beloved characters, he expressed confidence in director Paul King’s ability to deliver a unique take on the iconic chocolatier. Chalamet welcomed audiences to form their judgments on this distinct narrative.

An Ensemble of Screen Legends

In the film, Chalamet takes on the role of Wonka alongside Grant, who portrays one of the iconic Oompa Loompas. The ensemble cast includes an array of screen legends and comedy stars. Chalamet expressed his excitement about working with a stellar lineup that includes Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, and Rowan Atkinson.

“It was a dream come true!” Chalamet exclaimed. “I feel like an honorary Brit, with Hugh Grant and Olivia Coleman and Rowan Atkinson!”

An Extraordinary Cast and Unique Experience

Chalamet praised the cast as extraordinary, emphasizing the unique experience of immersing himself in a creative universe reminiscent of Paddington, another film directed by King in 2014.

“This is an insane cast and a very unique experience as a young American to walk into this world, this sort of Paddington creative universe that already existed,” Chalamet remarked.

Collaborative Chemistry

Chalamet’s admiration for working alongside Grant was reciprocated by the English screen legend. Grant jokingly expressed his initial anxiety about Chalamet’s rapid success but ultimately acknowledged the young actor’s undeniable star quality.

“I don’t like anyone being too successful. So I was a little anxious about Timothée Chalamet. His graph was too vertical!” Grant joked. “But I will say, he kind of deserves it. He’s a proper, old fashioned film star.”

“The camera loves him, and he’s just a natural film actor,” Grant added. “So it’s enraging, really.”

Filming Locations and Premiere Details

The majority of Wonka was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, located just outside London, with additional location shoots in U.K. cities such as Oxford and Bath. Fans eager to witness Chalamet’s take on the origin story of the iconic candy maker can anticipate the film’s release on December 15.

Kylie Jenner’s Support at the London Premiere

In a delightful turn of events, markMeets revealed that Kylie Jenner attended the Wonka London Premiere to extend her support to Timothée Chalamet, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the much-anticipated event.