Actors Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, and Sally Hawkins have joined the cast of the upcoming Willy Wonka musical titled Wonka.
Based on the early life of author Roald Dahl's popular character, the film has Timothee Chalamet playing the titular role. The film will be directed by Paul King, who also wrote the script with Simon Farnaby.
The prequel film will explore Willy Wonka's days of upbringing, and how he became the famous chocolatier.
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.
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.
Details of Colman, Hawkins and Atkinson's characters are currently under wraps. The cast of the film also includes Tom Davis, Simon Farnaby, Rich Fulcher, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Paterson Joseph, Keegan-Michael Key, Calah Lane, Matt Lucas, Colin O'Brien, Natasha Rothwell, Rakhee Thakrar and Ellie White.
The production of the film is expected to begin in September, with the movie currently scheduled to hit theatres on March 17, 2023. David Heyman is producing via his Heyday Films along with Luke Kelly.