Timothée Chalamet transformed into Willy Wonka for Paul King's prequel of the same name to the beloved character, but that doesn't mean initial reactions weren't full of some critics calling the film crazy.
Chalamet stars as a young entrepreneur who wants to build a chocolate empire in the musical film 'Wonka'. Set 25 years before the events of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', the feature film is considered a 'companion' film to the original 1971 Roald Dahl adaptation. Actor Simon Farnaby co-wrote the script with director King and reunited after "Paddington 2." King previously teased that "Wonka" would tap into the magic of the "golden age of MGM musicals" of the 1940s and 1950s to tell the sweet story.
More from IndieWireOscar-nominated star Chalamet didn't have to audition for the musical after his viral high school raps circulated the Internet and prompted director King to cast the actor as Willy Wonka in the prequel to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Sally Hawkins, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman and Rowan Atkinson also star alongside Chalamet.
Director King previously spoke of Chalamet's "voice of an angel" and compared his singing to Bing Crosby. "There's quite a range because it goes from some bigger, show-stopper type things to moments of real, pure emotion and he can do it all," King said of Chalamet. "I'm going to sound like a crazy fan."
Although the Warner Bros. film doesn't hit theaters until December 15, critics attended the premiere and quickly took to Twitter to share audience reactions. The film is being praised for being a "sweet" installment in the franchise, drawing comparisons to "seeing a live Broadway show!" Chalamet is considered a smart and "magnetic" presence as the titular chocolatier, thanks to director King's "whimsical" vision. The Oscar-nominated actor is also being celebrated as "both comedian and performer" by singing and dancing in his musical debut.
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The consensus that "Wonka" was a pleasant "surprise" of a holiday musical classic certainly adds to the excitement surrounding the new Warner Bros. film.
See more reactions below.
I just want to say that I find the positive WONKA buzz mind-boggling.
- DrewMcWeeny (@DrewMcWeeny) November 28, 2023
Surprisingly, I especially enjoyed WONKA. Timothée Chalamet is a very gifted comedic actor, who cleverly uses his star personality for laughs. The staging is good and there is a lot of heart and idiosyncrasy in it. However, I didn't like the barrage of fat jokes. Bad form in a delightful film. pic.twitter.com/rtqrATudfc
- Robert Daniels (@812filmreviews) November 28, 2023
Timothée Chalamet is really that good here, delivering a fresh new interpretation of Willy Wonka that still honors what has come before, and who dies as both a comedian and an artist. forget those trailers - this is a real movie star turn #wonka https://t.co/XxsDiWpxDz
- Zoe Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) November 28, 2023
#Wonka surprised me with how much I liked it. It's whimsical and taps into the sense of wonder we got from the original while doing its own thing. Timothée Chalamet channels Gene's energy without impressing. Wonderful family film for the holidays. #WonkaMovie pic.twitter.com/qJKHYwnPMH
- Kaitlyn Booth (@katiesmovies) November 28, 2023
#Wonka is far from perfect, but director Paul King's whimsical charm is undeniable. The musical numbers are touching, the visual imagery is delightful, and even Hugh Grant's Oompa Loompa is a scene-stealer.
Timothée Chalamet is great, even if his characterization is often questionable. pic.twitter.com/iml6JKgwg4
- Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) November 28, 2023
Timothée Chalamet is the only reason to see #WonkaMovie. He is endlessly charming and wonderful to watch.
The film surrounding him is not that good, but it is entertaining. The story and tone fight against each other, making it a bit muddled. And yet it is filled with joy and the songs are delightful. pic.twitter.com/s1zlqtzIgv
- Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) November 28, 2023
#WonkaMovie is unabashedly silly and a perfectly charming family film. Wonka's world is brilliantly designed and captures the wonder of his early years.
Wonka has a quirky, heartwarming tone and is funny and sweet enough to overcome all the little bumps in the road. pic.twitter.com/WPCxA2r1A9
- Daniel Howat (@howatdk) November 28, 2023
#Wonka/ #WonkaMovie is a winning confection, filled with perfect amounts of charm, whimsy and poignancy, powered by pure imagination and bright, nimble musical numbers. Timothée Chalamet is a charisma factory. His complete devotion is intoxicating. Hugh Grant in exceptional IDGAF mode. pic.twitter.com/vjKJqqY6ll
-Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) November 28, 2023
The best of IndieWireI think I can talk about it #Wonka now...and I hate to report that I think it absolutely rules.
- matt rorabeck (@mattrorabeck) November 28, 2023
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