Timothée Chalamet spilled the cocoa beans on why he didn’t seek advice from ex-girlfriend Lily-Rose Depp’s father, Johnny Depp, for his upcoming role as Willy Wonka in the new musical. The 27-year-old actor, who is set to play the iconic chocolatier in the film exploring Wonka’s origins, confessed he never consulted Depp for tips, despite the actor’s portrayal of the character in Tim Burton’s 2005 rendition of “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.”
In an exclusive interview at the Wonka world premiere in London, Timothée shared his childhood memories of watching Gene Wilder’s 1971 musical adaptation, which he “saw first” and “grew up on.” The Dune star, who recently dated Lily-Rose Depp, admitted, “If you would’ve told me when I was 12 years old watching the Johnny Depp version of Willy Wonka that I’d get to be here in Tokyo promoting this movie as Willy Wonka, standing next to Hugh Grant, I would’ve told you you were lying.”
Despite his refusal to tap into Depp’s Wonka wisdom, Timothée Chalamet is generating a buzz ahead of the film’s release on December 8 in the UK and December 15 in the US. The Dune star, who pocketed a sweet $9 million for the titular role, beat out A-list contenders Tom Holland, Donald Glover, Ezra Miller, and Ryan Gosling.
Fans who attended preview screenings have showered the film with praise, hailing Timothée’s performance as “whimsical” and “charming.” One enthusiastic viewer took to social media exclaiming, “I loooooooved #Wonka—everyone else did too, right? It’s so tender and entertaining with Colman a superb villain and Chalamet proving he can sing, too. Plus great songs and visuals. Take all of your kids.”
Even critics couldn’t resist Wonka’s charm, with Collider senior producer Perri Nemiroff calling it a “super charming delight” and Variety/The A.V. Club film critic Courtney Howard dubbing it a “winning confection.” Timothée Chalamet’s charisma and commitment to the role are leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the sugary spectacle of Wonka’s world.
As the countdown to the film’s release continues, fans are left wondering if Timothée’s Wonka will outshine Johnny Depp’s iconic portrayal. Let the chocolate wars begin! What are your predictions for Timothée Chalamet’s Wonka? Comment below!
