Entertainment
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory star defends Timothee Chalamet prequel after fan backlash
Timothee Chalamet’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory prequel has officially got the Veruca Salt seal of approval.
Actress Julie Dawn Cole, who starred as the spoilt youngster in the 1971 musical film, has defended the upcoming origin story, after fans were left unsure.
‘That’s brilliant!’ she told Metro.co.uk of the news. ‘I look forward to it!’
The Roald Dahl story was first adapted on screen in the original movie starring Gene Wilder, and was remade in 2005 with Johnny Depp as the eccentric chocolate maker.
Reflecting on the Timothee, 23, taking on such a well-loved role, Julie added: ‘It’s interesting, isn’t it? Because he’ll have to step into both [Gene and Johnny’s shoes]. I’m sure he’ll do his complete own spin on it!’
The actress explained that she no longer feels protective of the story, and is excited to see how it will work as a prequel.
‘I think if they were doing a prequel of Veruca Salt, that might be different!’ she pointed out.
Julie starred in the 1971 movie alongside Wilder and Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), landing the role at age 12. Veruca was renowned for being a spoilt child, whose entitled attitude ultimately caused her demise (but, let’s face it, also made her an absolute icon).
After her breakout role, Julie, now 63, went on to star in the likes of Emmerdale, Casualty, Angels, and 1996 series Married For Life.
Meanwhile, Timothee will play the inventor in the years before he opened his world-renowned chocolate factory – or ever met Charlie Bucket – in the upcoming flick, titled Wonka.
According to Deadline, it’s set to be a musical treatment once more like 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, so Timothée will be airing his musical talents to the world for the first time.
The film is a co-production between Warner Bros – its third adaptation of the story, having also been responsible for Tim Burton’s 2005 take with Johnny Depp – and The Roald Dahl Story Co.
It’s based on a screenplay Paul King has written with Simon Farnaby (of Paddington 2 and Horrible Histories fame), alongside previous writers Simon Rich, Simon Stephenson, Jeff Nathanson and Steven Levenson.
And for the final dollop of star power, David Heyman will be producing via his Heyday Films company, which was behind the Harry Potter movies.
Wonka is slated for release in 2023.
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