Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, WONKA tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
From Paul King, writer/director of the PADDINGTON films, David Heyman, producer of HARRY POTTER, GRAVITY, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, and PADDINGTON, and producers Alexandra Derbyshire (the PADDINGTON films, JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION) and Luke Kelly (Roald Dahl’s THE WITCHES), comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Starring alongside Chalamet are Calah Lane (THE DAY SHALL COME), Emmy and Peabody Award winner Keegan-Michael Key (THE PROM, SCHMIGADOON), Paterson Joseph (VIGIL, NOUGHTS + CROSSES), Matt Lucas (PADDINGTON, LITTLE BRITAIN), Mathew Baynton (GHOSTS), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (THE SHAPE OF WATER, the PADDINGTON films, SPENCER), Rowan Atkinson (the JOHNNY ENGLISH and MR. BEAN films, LOVE, ACTUALLY), Jim Carter DOWNTON ABBEY), with Oscar winner Olivia Colman (THE FAVOURITE). The film also stars Natasha Rothwell (WHITE LOTUS), Rich Fulcher (MARRIAGE STORY, DISENCHANTMENT), Rakhee Thakrar (SEX EDUCATION), Tom Davis (PADDINGTON 2) and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (PADDINGTON 2).
Simon Farnaby (PADDINGTON 2) & Paul King wrote the screenplay, based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl. Neil Hannon of the band The Divine Comedy is writing original songs for the film. Check out the new trailer below and tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
