Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for Wonka, the upcoming prequel to 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.
The movie, which stars Timothée Chalamet as the title character, tells the wondrous story of how the world's greatest inventor, magician and chocolate maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
Based on what we see here, we should brace ourselves for an utterly bonkers delight of a film, perhaps no great surprise when it comes our way from Paul King, writer and director of the Paddington movies. The filmmaker is setting out to deliver what's been described as "an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor."
It's also worth pointing out that the VFX has received a much-needed polish since the first trailer was released. That's evident from looking at Hugh Grant's Oompa Loompa as the pint-sized character now looks near-perfect. King previously said the actor is ideal for the role because he's "the funniest, most sarcastic shit that I've ever met."
He'd later add, "Once you see Hugh Grant as an 18-inch high orange man with green hair, you go, 'Ah, yes. I know what Oompa Loompas are. It all makes perfect sense.'"
Starring 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."
Joining the Dune star are Hugh Grant, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, Natasha Rothwell, Rich Fulcher, Rakhee Thakrar, Tom Davis, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) and Paul King wrote the screenplay, based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl.
Wonka arrives in theaters on December 15.