Paul King, director of the highly anticipated 2023 film Wonka, reveals the prequel as a companion piece to the wildly popular Gene Wilder classic.

Paul King, best known for the Paddington film series, sat down with EW to discuss the intentions for his 2023 offering. Wonka is set to be a prequel to the classic 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder, exploring the titular Willy Wonka before his factory and fame. Speaking with EW, King stated, "I didn't want to reinvent those things 'cause it felt like that '71 movie had come up with these incredibly enduring, iconic looks. What I wanted this movie to be was like a companion piece to that movie. If you imagine those people in that world 25 years earlier, that was my starting process. Eventually, he would grow into that person and that factory."

The estate of author Roald Dahl, the wordsmith behind the book series Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the catalyst for both film adaptations), generously opened its archives to King and the team behind Wonka. Paul King described the immeasurable value and impact the archives had on the film throughout its creation, stating, "It felt like he felt there was a life to Willy Wonka beyond 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and [sequel book] 'The Great Glass Elevator.'"

The high expectations set by reentering such an iconic world as the one first described in Dahl’s books is not lost on King. Describing the impact of Dahl's original story and titan legacy, King spoke with genuine admiration, saying, "[Dahl] makes this story-book world with these larger-than-life characters, but at the same time, you deeply care. I love the idea of telling a story where Willy Wonka wasn't just this magical, admirable, extraordinary, inventive character, but where he was actually the emotional heart of the movie." Expressing both excitement for his upcoming film and reverence for its predecessor, King continued, "I'm just happy to embrace that and walk in those enormous footsteps. I can't wait for people to see it."

Wonka Takes a Cue From Gene Wilder's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The film is set to follow a young Willy Wonka in his frustrated attempts to open a chocolate shop. The endeavor is blocked at every turn by three business tycoons with a monopoly on the candy market: Mr. Prodnose, Mr. Fickelgruber, and Mr. Slugworth. Wonka is set to star budding Hollywood royalty Timothée Chalamet as the whimsical Willy Wonka, alongside a star-studded troupe. Veteran talent to the industry can be found throughout the cast, including Calah Lane as a girl named Noodle, Olivia Colman, Rowan Atkinson, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Paterson Joseph, Natasha Rothwell, Jim Carter, Sally Hawkins, and Hugh Grant (as an Oompa Loompa).

Paul King is also joined by Producer David Heyman on the Wonka project. Heyman is most known for his work on the Harry Potter film series and Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated upcoming film, Barbie. Wonka released its official trailer on July 1, 2023.

Wonka will be in US theaters everywhere on December 15, 2023.

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