Wonka: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Prequel Movie Gets 2023 Release Date

Warner Bros. film Wonka has been slated for a 2023 release date, it has now been confirmed.

The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel, directed by Paddington's Paul King, is set to land on the big screen on March 17, 2023.

Meanwhile, Oscar nominated David Heyman (Harry Potter franchise, Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood) will be producing the movie.

The story will hone in on a young Willy Wonka, exploring his life before he opens his magnificent chocolate factory.

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Willy Wonka was first imagined in Roald Dahl's 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and later portrayed by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film adaption: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The movie was then adapted again by Tim Burton in 2005 (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and we saw Johnny Depp step into Wonka's role.

As for who will be playing Wonka this time? We're still none the wiser on a cast for the new movie, although early reports are throwing around names like Tom Holland or Timothée Chalamet...

Wonka has been in development for around four years in total, with director King known to have been working on it since 2018.

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The release date might seem far away, but with Covid-19 shutting down much of filming at the moment, and lots of movies delayed, it's likely to due a backlog in commissions from Warner Bros.

According to Variety, the film does plan to start shooting in the next four months, however, lockdown permitting.

Heyman is said to be working with comedy script-writer, Simon Rich - of Saturday Night Live fame - on the movie.

If one Wonka isn't enough for you, the good news is that Netflix has also ordered *two* Charlie and the Chocolate Factory animated series', too - one based on Charlie and Wonka's magical world, and one on the Oompa-Loompas.

These will be made by JoJo Rabbit director, Taika Waititi, and will mark the start of a partnership between The Roald Dahl Story Company and the streaming platform - who also hope to remake classics including Matilda, The BFG and The Twits.

There's no release date yet, but we'll update you when we know more.

Topics: TV Entertainment

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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