‘Wonka’: First Reactions Praise Timothée Chalamet as “Intoxicating”
Timothée Chalamet’s long-awaited prequel musical to ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ titled ‘Wonka,’ has finally made its debut for critics and entertainment journalists. Initial reactions are hailing it as a “winning confection” and an “instant holiday classic.”
Directed by Paul King, known for his work on ‘Paddington’ and ‘Paddington 2,’ the film features Chalamet portraying a younger version of the iconic chocolatier, Willy Wonka. Set in the years preceding the opening of Wonka’s famous chocolate factory, the storyline revolves around the aspiring chocolatier’s efforts to establish his first shop.
The star-studded supporting cast includes Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant.
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Film critic Courtney Howard describes ‘Wonka’ as “a winning confection, filled with perfect amounts of charm, whimsy & poignancy, powered by pure imagination & bright, nimble musical numbers. Timothée Chalamet is a charisma factory. His full committal is intoxicating. Hugh Grant in exceptional IDGAF mode.”
Gizmodo senior reporter Germain Lussier heaps praise on Chalamet, asserting that he alone is reason enough to see the film. “He’s infinitely charming & a blast to watch,” notes Lussier, though he adds, “The movie around him isn’t as good, but it’s enjoyable. The story & tone fight against each other, leaving it a bit muddled. And yet it’s filled with joy & the songs are delightful.”
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Film writer Perri Nemiroff chimes in, saying, “‘Wonka’ is a super charming delight powered by an exceptional & pitch-perfect performance from Timothée Chalamet. It can get quite silly, and there are a few plot points that are a tad on the thin side, but that couldn’t stop such an impossibly sweet film with a hefty & very effective dose of sincerity from warming my heart.”
The prequel is a creation of Warner Bros., which has long aspired to bring a film exploring Wonka’s backstory to the big screen. While reports in previous years hinted at Donald Glover, Ezra Miller, and Ryan Gosling as potential contenders, it was Timothée Chalamet who secured the role without an audition. Director Paul King, a self-proclaimed Chalamet “stan,” expressed his confidence in the actor’s singing and dancing abilities, citing Chalamet’s high school musical performances on YouTube as evidence of his talent.
Chalamet responded to the news with laughter on the ‘Wonka’ world premiere red carpet in London, stating, “That wasn’t exclusively what got me the part. He also liked the other movies I did!”
