It was reported earlier that actor Timothee Chalamet is playing a younger version of the famous chocolatier character Willy Wonka in the upcoming musical, Wonka. Now, the film has roped in actor Keegan-Michael Key to play a pivotal role.
The prequel film will explore Willy Wonka's days of upbringing, and how he became the famous chocolatier. The movie will be directed by Paddington-helmer Paul King from the screenplay he wrote with Simon Farnaby.
Details about Key's role in the film is kept under wraps.
Notably, fans remember Willy Wonka well from the 1971 Mel Stuart film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the 2005-reboot Charlie and the Chocolate Factory directed by Tim Burton. Gene Wilder portrayed Willy Wonka in the former, while Johnny Depp embodied the role in Burton's reimagination.
The franchise is based on Roald Dahl’s popular children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a story that follows a poor boy named Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden ticket to tour the world-famous, heavily guarded chocolate factory run by Willy Wonka.
Wonka will reportedly not feature appearances from Charlie and the company since the prequel takes place before the chocolate factory opened. David Heyman is producing the film via his Heyday Films along with Luke Kelly.
Wonka is scheduled to hit theatres on March 17, 2023.