Gene Wilder’s recent passing led many to revisit one of the legendary performer’s most iconic roles inWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and now it appears the eccentric character is getting a new life on the big screen. PerVariety, Warner Bros. has acquired the rights to theWilly WonkaIP from the Roald Dahl estate, and the studio is moving forward on a planned feature film reboot to be steered byHarry PotterandGravityproducerDavid Heyman.
Instead of simply adapting the Dahl story once again, the idea for this reboot is to explore Wonka’s early adventures, serving as a standalone story that could spawn a new franchise if it proves successful. The report stresses that this is not an origin film, but it is possible that characters like Charlie could appear in future installments should the franchise prove to be a hit.
Dahl’s 1964 novelWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factorywas first adapted into the Gene Wilder feature film in 1971, which went on to become something of a cult classic.Tim Burtontackled the material as a straight adaptation in 2005 withJohnny Deppin tow to decidedly terrible results, offering up a toothless film full of eccentricity simply for the sake of being eccentric. The story also got a stage musical adaptation courtesy of directorSam Mendesin 2003.
Simon Rich, anSNLveteran and novelist who also created and serves as showrunner on the FXX seriesMan Seeking Woman, has been tapped to pen the script for theWilly Wonkareboot. Rich also has experience with more family friendly fare having been credited with “additional story material by” on Pixar’sInside Out.
While the idea of aWilly Wonkareboot may certainly provide cause for concern, Heyman’s involvement goes a long way towards alleviating fears of a cash grab. He shepherded theHarry Potterfranchise from the very beginning, serving as a key creative voice through the development of each and every film as well as the upcomingFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and he also produced the delightfulPaddingtonas well asAlfonso Cuaron’s masterfulGravity. He’s got great instincts, so it’ll be interesting to see howWonkaprogresses from here.
Dahl wrote two books in which Wonka appeared, but it sounds like the idea of this reboot is to create a new story and franchise around the beloved character. This is no doubt an important film for Warner Bros. as it continues to expand its franchise holds, so hopefully we hear more sooner rather than later.
