EntertainmentTimothee Chalametwilly wonka

Timothée Chalamet To Star In Willy Wonka Origin Film

The "Call Me by Your Name" star beat out Tom Holland for the iconic role and will sing and dance in the film.
Open Image Modal
By 

Senior Reporter, HuffPost

|

Timothée Chalamet’s next acting job is a really sweet gig: playing Willy Wonka in an origin story about Roald Dahl’s enigmatic candy maker.

In a story first reported by Deadline, the “Call Me by Your Name” star is set to play Wonka in a film devoted to his adventures prior to opening his chocolate factory.

This will mark the third film featuring Wonka, who was previously played by Gene Wilder in 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” and Johnny Depp in 2005’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Chalamet reportedly beat out Tom Holland for the role in “Wonka,” which will require the lead character to sing and dance a la Wilder.

Deadline said Chalamet was the top choice for a while, but scheduling conflicts had to be worked out because of the training he will need for the musical numbers.

“Paddington 2” director Paul King will direct the film, but the composers of the musical numbers have not been announced.

Wonka isn’t the only icon Chalamet is tackling. He is also set to play Bob Dylan in “Going Electric,” a film set in the early 1960s, when the singer switched from acoustic to electric guitar.

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

'Willy Wonka' Cast: Where Are They Now?
Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket)(01 of13)
Open Image Modal
(credit:YouTube)
Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket)(02 of13)
Open Image Modal
After playing Charlie, Peter Ostrum quit acting, eventually becoming an veterinarian. (Yea, didn't see that one coming either). (credit:FilmMagic)
Julie Cole (Veruca Salt)(03 of13)
Open Image Modal
(credit:YouTube)
Julie Cole (Veruca Salt)(04 of13)
Open Image Modal
Her bratty turn as Veruca Salt helped launch Julie Cole's 40-year career in acting on stage, TV and film. Since "Wonka," Cole has appeared on several British programs, including "Married for Life" and "EastEnders." (credit:Getty)
Paris Themmen (Mike Tee Vee)(05 of13)
Open Image Modal
(credit:YouTube)
Paris Themmen (Mike Tee Vee)(06 of13)
Open Image Modal
Since his gun-toting role as Mike Tee Vee, Paris Thermmen has appeared sporadically in films and TV programs, including a spot on "Star Trek: Voyager." (credit:Getty)
Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde)(07 of13)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Everett)
Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde)(08 of13)
Open Image Modal
After playing Violet, Denise had roles on several TV shows and made-for-TV films. She retired from acting at the age of 21. (credit:Getty)
Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka)(09 of13)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Everett)
Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka)(10 of13)
Open Image Modal
By the time he was cast as Wonka, Gene Wilder was already successful, having starred in Mel Brooks' "The Producers." Now far-and-away the most accomplished actor from the cast, Wilder went on to appear in films such as "Young Frankenstein," "The Frisco Kid" and "Blazing Saddles." After a guest role on "Will & Grace" in 2003, Wilder retired from acting. (credit:Getty)
Jack Albertson (Grandpa Joe)(11 of13)
Open Image Modal
Like Wilder, Jack Albertson was a successful actor before "Wonka," starring in films such as "Son of Flubber" and "Man on a Thousand Faces." Unfortunately, Jack would pass away ten years later at the age of 74. (credit:YouTube)
Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop)(12 of13)
Open Image Modal
(credit:YouTube)
Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop)(13 of13)
Open Image Modal
"Willy Wonka" was the beginning and end of acting for Michael Bollner, who, as the candy-loving Augustus, finds himself swept up in the river of chocolate. But, hey, what a way to go out! (credit:FilmMagic)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip