The Willy Wonka prequel is in the works, but who should play the Candy King? The film is set for a March 17, 2023 release date with filming starting in September. It will be produced by David Heyman and directed by ‘Paddington’s’ Paul King. With Paul at the helm, we can expect a youthful actor to take the mantle, but who?
One name you won’t see is Johnny Depp. He may have donned the top hat in the past but with the latest tabloid issues, they won’t want him anywhere near this project. He was recently replaced in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, and likely won’t get a new role until his name is cleared.
Tom Holland is on fire with Spider-Man and his upcoming Uncharted movie. He also has that bright and youthful personality that fits for an early Wonka and Paul Kings filming style. The only problem is how busy Holland is. We have plenty of time but a new Tom Holland project pops up every couple of months. And he won’t be cheap, MCU saw to that. If they want to make an entire Wonka franchise, then investing in Holland might be the best move.
Timothée Chalamet is also trending lately with his upcoming Dune film. He and Holland are the top rumors making their way around the internet. Why Chalamet doesn’t have the fun and wacky personality needed to play Wanka, but he is a very skilled actor. He could possibly surprise us. Chalamet showed us a new side when he hosted SNL last year and could do that again.
Speaking of impressive SNL hosts, Harry Styles could be our new Wonka. Styles started as the “bad boy” of One Direction but has evolved into a competent actor, making his debut in Dunkirk. He is also in the upcoming Marvel’s Eternals. Styles typically puts joy and kindness first in his modern public persona. Something that would serve well as Willy Wonka.
Janelle Monáe could bring Wonka the needed grandeur that captured the magic of the original book. She is also a singer like Harry Styles and could create a musical atmosphere if the film wanted to go that route. Janelle as the ringmaster of the Wonka circus sounds like a ton of fun!
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a perfect personality for Wonka. Unfortunately, the 39-year-old actor would have to play a Wonka right before the events of the original story. You could not do the early days of the factory with JGL. That being said, he would have the playful and witty persona down for the role.
Who do you want to see as the new Willy Wonka? Let us know in the comments below. It’s some big shoe to fill after Gene Wilder became synonymous for the role.
Sources: Deadline
Geek Freaks Mailing List 
Leave a Reply