Deadline’s Most Valuable Blockbuster tournament is back. While studios during Covid wildly embraced the theatrical day-and-date model when cinemas were closed, they soon realized there’s nothing more profitable than a theatrical release and the downstreams that come with it. If anything, theatrical is the advertisement for a movie’s longevity in subsequent home entertainment windows. Entering the conversation in 2023 were the streamers, such as Apple, who have also realized the necessity of theatrical to eventize their movies. The financial data pulled together here for Deadline’s Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament is culled by seasoned and trusted sources.
The Film
Wonka
Warner Bros
As moviegoers returned post-Covid, movie musicals were thought dead after the dismal performances of feature takes of Broadway musicals West Side Story, Dear Evan Hansen and In the Heights. Then along comes Wonka, an original feature musical with songs from Divine Comedy lead singer Neil Hannon,...
The Film
Wonka
Warner Bros
As moviegoers returned post-Covid, movie musicals were thought dead after the dismal performances of feature takes of Broadway musicals West Side Story, Dear Evan Hansen and In the Heights. Then along comes Wonka, an original feature musical with songs from Divine Comedy lead singer Neil Hannon,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Josh O’Connor is currently starring in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and recently revealed what character he would love to play in the future.
In a recent interview, the actor said he is open to giving like to a “dark” version of the Willy Wonka character from Roal Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“I would love to play Willy Wonka,” O’Connor said in an interview with WSJ Magazine. “But like a dark Willy Wonka.”
O’Connor acknowledged that Timothée Chalamet starred in Wonka, an origin story to the Willy Wonka character, recently.
“But I would really like to play a story of darker version of him,” he added.
The Crown actor also noted that Gene Wilder’s version of the character from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory “is very dark.”
“It’s not dark in a sinister way. I think he’s a really angry man,...
In a recent interview, the actor said he is open to giving like to a “dark” version of the Willy Wonka character from Roal Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“I would love to play Willy Wonka,” O’Connor said in an interview with WSJ Magazine. “But like a dark Willy Wonka.”
O’Connor acknowledged that Timothée Chalamet starred in Wonka, an origin story to the Willy Wonka character, recently.
“But I would really like to play a story of darker version of him,” he added.
The Crown actor also noted that Gene Wilder’s version of the character from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory “is very dark.”
“It’s not dark in a sinister way. I think he’s a really angry man,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
After late actor Gene Wilder played the iconic role of Willy Wonka in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, it became almost impossible for people to imagine anyone else in that position. Turning the cult classic movie into a timeless epic that still remains a children’s staple in Hollywood, Wilder created an endearing appeal that lasted generations.
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka
But buckle up to hear a piece of shocking information about the fan-favorite actor. In a segment from the 2001 documentary Pure Imagination, Gene Wilder revealed how he almost refused to work unless he was guaranteed one particular shot. Well, the scene in question is a classic one which set the tone for the film and turned into a favorite sequence for many viewers.
Gene Wilder Almost Refused to Play Willy Wonka
Watching Gene Wilder glide around in his iconic purple velvet coat and puffy bow...
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka
But buckle up to hear a piece of shocking information about the fan-favorite actor. In a segment from the 2001 documentary Pure Imagination, Gene Wilder revealed how he almost refused to work unless he was guaranteed one particular shot. Well, the scene in question is a classic one which set the tone for the film and turned into a favorite sequence for many viewers.
Gene Wilder Almost Refused to Play Willy Wonka
Watching Gene Wilder glide around in his iconic purple velvet coat and puffy bow...
- 3/31/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Since we’re talking about the short films, I’ll accordingly keep this brief. Here are five reasons why “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” will win the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
1. It’s the clear standout in the category.
All five nominees are exceptional — the others being “The After,” “Red, White and Blue,” “Invincible” and “Knight of Fortune.” In a less competitive year, any one of them could easily walk away with the prize. But it’s simply too hard for anything to top “Henry Sugar.” Based on the short story of the same name by celebrated children’s author Roald Dahl, the film is seamlessly adapted to the screen with the same charm, wit and magic of the original tale. “Henry Sugar” features superb acting, exquisite costume and production design, beautiful cinematography and sharp editing. It holds an outstanding 95% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes,...
1. It’s the clear standout in the category.
All five nominees are exceptional — the others being “The After,” “Red, White and Blue,” “Invincible” and “Knight of Fortune.” In a less competitive year, any one of them could easily walk away with the prize. But it’s simply too hard for anything to top “Henry Sugar.” Based on the short story of the same name by celebrated children’s author Roald Dahl, the film is seamlessly adapted to the screen with the same charm, wit and magic of the original tale. “Henry Sugar” features superb acting, exquisite costume and production design, beautiful cinematography and sharp editing. It holds an outstanding 95% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
In this brave new world of "Star Wars" fandom, it's almost unfathomable that there exist elements within the various films, novels, comics, and TV shows that don't have some sort of backstory or origin point. While obviously this stems from the huge fanbase for "Star Wars" loving the fictional universe so much that they wish to study and know absolutely everything that's in it, this trend also originated out of an inherent idea popularized by creator George Lucas with the very first movie in the franchise back in 1977 -- the implication that we're seeing a small part of a larger world, and every planet, ship, and creature we see (whether in the foreground or background) has its own history and story.
It's a powerful implication, and one that's essential to constructing a wholly fictional universe. Yet, of course, it's mostly hogwash -- or at least it used to be. While...
It's a powerful implication, and one that's essential to constructing a wholly fictional universe. Yet, of course, it's mostly hogwash -- or at least it used to be. While...
- 3/9/2024
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
As Timothée Chalamet‘s Wonka promo took over everyone’s news feeds in December, so did Jagwar Twin’s song “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)” on TikTok.
On Friday, the rock star revisited the single, as he released the circus-themed music video for the viral track, which sees the artist inside a Salvador Dalí-inspired circus world as he conveys his message of “trusting your internal compass.”
“The video plays on the theme of trusting your intuition with it being set in this strange Dalí-esque circus that, to me, is often...
On Friday, the rock star revisited the single, as he released the circus-themed music video for the viral track, which sees the artist inside a Salvador Dalí-inspired circus world as he conveys his message of “trusting your internal compass.”
“The video plays on the theme of trusting your intuition with it being set in this strange Dalí-esque circus that, to me, is often...
- 3/8/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Close your eyes and count to 10: “Wonka” is open for business! The musical origin story, which premiered in theaters on Dec. 15, will make its streaming debut this March 8 on Max. With Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, and more, “Dune: Part Two” star Timothée Chalamet plays the young title chocolatier on his path to becoming the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate maker, evading Slugworths Watch “Wonka” exclusively on Max on Friday, March 8. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max.
How to Watch 'Wonka' When: Friday, March 8, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. Free 7-Day Trial$9.99+ / month Max via Prime Video About 'Wonka'
Directed by Paul King (“Paddington” films) and co-written by King and Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”), 2023’s “Wonka” takes one of Roald Dahl’s...
How to Watch 'Wonka' When: Friday, March 8, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. Free 7-Day Trial$9.99+ / month Max via Prime Video About 'Wonka'
Directed by Paul King (“Paddington” films) and co-written by King and Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”), 2023’s “Wonka” takes one of Roald Dahl’s...
- 3/8/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
“Willy’s Chocolate Experience” was advertised as an “immersive” event for guests. Families came with their children, ready to have fun at the event based on Ronald Dahl’s book, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Hosted by the House of Illuminati in Glasgow, Scotland, guests expected a fantastical experience that would “create lasting memories.”
However, it was anything but that. Guests arrived at a relatively empty warehouse with a few props and backdrops, nothing like the images advertised online. It was later revealed that the images, showing a whimsical, colorful show, were AI-generated.
Photos from the event quickly circulated on social media. Actors and performers hired for the event also shared their confusion in videos posted to TikTok. The event angered parents, many of whom called the police.
Actors were given a script before the event. One actress, Jenny Fogarty, was given a “sexy” Oompa Loompa costume for her...
Hosted by the House of Illuminati in Glasgow, Scotland, guests expected a fantastical experience that would “create lasting memories.”
However, it was anything but that. Guests arrived at a relatively empty warehouse with a few props and backdrops, nothing like the images advertised online. It was later revealed that the images, showing a whimsical, colorful show, were AI-generated.
Photos from the event quickly circulated on social media. Actors and performers hired for the event also shared their confusion in videos posted to TikTok. The event angered parents, many of whom called the police.
Actors were given a script before the event. One actress, Jenny Fogarty, was given a “sexy” Oompa Loompa costume for her...
- 3/5/2024
- by Ann Hoang
- Uinterview
After arriving on the big screen just in time to take advantage of the holiday box office rush last year, "Wonka" is a certified hit. Not only did the movie from "Paddington" director Paul King please critics and audiences alike, but it's raked in over $608 million at the worldwide box office. In fact, it has managed to stay in the top 10 box office chart this whole time. Even as the movie is available on PVOD at home and poised to hit physical media on February 27, "Wonka" is still playing on over 2,300 screens.
Considering the star power of leading man Timothée Chalamet and that kind of financial success, it's likely that a "Wonka" sequel will end up in theaters sometime in the next few years. Though Warner Bros. Pictures hasn't yet announced a follow-up, Paul King is already talking about potential ideas with co-writer Simon Farnaby, so it's only a matter...
Considering the star power of leading man Timothée Chalamet and that kind of financial success, it's likely that a "Wonka" sequel will end up in theaters sometime in the next few years. Though Warner Bros. Pictures hasn't yet announced a follow-up, Paul King is already talking about potential ideas with co-writer Simon Farnaby, so it's only a matter...
- 2/26/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Got a hankering for chocolate? Here’s how to stream Wonka online from the comfort of your own home!
The Timothée Chalamet-led film — which topped the 2023 box office and to date has grossed $590 million globally — introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka as he becomes the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker. The prequel is (loosely) based on the Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was of course first adapted in 1971 as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (with the great Gene Wilder in the title role). It was later reimagined in 2005 as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,...
The Timothée Chalamet-led film — which topped the 2023 box office and to date has grossed $590 million globally — introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka as he becomes the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker. The prequel is (loosely) based on the Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was of course first adapted in 1971 as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (with the great Gene Wilder in the title role). It was later reimagined in 2005 as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Comedy actor and writer Gene Wilder is to be celebrated in documentary Remembering Gene Wilder, and here’s the trailer.
To several generations, Gene Wilder will forever be known as the definitive screen version of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka in 1971 film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. To others, he might be best known for his frequent collaborations with comedian Richard Pryor in films like Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Another You.
Going on to forge a career as a writer and director, one of the most underrated comedies of the 1970s, and one that is well worth tracking down if you haven’t had the pleasure, is The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes’ Younger Brother. Wilder’s 1975 directorial debut saw the actor star alongside the powerhouse pairing of Madeline Kahn and Marty Feldmen, both of whom he worked with in Young Frankenstein, the...
To several generations, Gene Wilder will forever be known as the definitive screen version of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka in 1971 film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. To others, he might be best known for his frequent collaborations with comedian Richard Pryor in films like Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Another You.
Going on to forge a career as a writer and director, one of the most underrated comedies of the 1970s, and one that is well worth tracking down if you haven’t had the pleasure, is The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes’ Younger Brother. Wilder’s 1975 directorial debut saw the actor star alongside the powerhouse pairing of Madeline Kahn and Marty Feldmen, both of whom he worked with in Young Frankenstein, the...
- 2/19/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Karan Johar, the celebrated filmmaker, pulled out all the stops to celebrate the seventh birthday of his adorable twins, Yash and Roohi. The lavish affair, inspired by the iconic film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” dazzled guests and spectators alike.
Sharing heartfelt sentiments on social media alongside charming snapshots of the festivities, Karan expressed profound gratitude to his children for enriching his life. He penned a touching note, celebrating their infectious laughter, playful sass, and boundless love that have profoundly impacted his life for the better.
Karan Johar Hosts Willy Wonka-themed Birthday for Yash and Roohi
The party, reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s whimsical world, featured enchanting décor including a candy corner that delighted guests of all ages. Performers adorned in signature Willy Wonka hats added to the magical ambiance. Videos captured the twins’ sheer delight as they reveled amidst a backdrop of vibrant balloons while a young gymnast performed breathtaking somersaults overhead.
Sharing heartfelt sentiments on social media alongside charming snapshots of the festivities, Karan expressed profound gratitude to his children for enriching his life. He penned a touching note, celebrating their infectious laughter, playful sass, and boundless love that have profoundly impacted his life for the better.
Karan Johar Hosts Willy Wonka-themed Birthday for Yash and Roohi
The party, reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s whimsical world, featured enchanting décor including a candy corner that delighted guests of all ages. Performers adorned in signature Willy Wonka hats added to the magical ambiance. Videos captured the twins’ sheer delight as they reveled amidst a backdrop of vibrant balloons while a young gymnast performed breathtaking somersaults overhead.
- 2/8/2024
- by Anshu Harvansh
- ReferSMS
Wonka Box Office Worldwide Updates! (Picture Credit: IMDb)
Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet, is enjoying a glorious run at the box office. The film was released in December but continues to witness footfalls all across the globe. It has now entered the Top 10 highest-grossers of 2023 as it gets closer to the $600 million club. Scroll below for all the details!
It was just yesterday we informed you about the huge feat achieved by the musical fantasy film in North America. Wonka turned out to be the first Timothee Chalamet film to have reached the $200 million mark in the domestic market. And the run isn’t over yet. It is expected to cross many other milestones in its lifetime run.
Wonka Box Office Overseas Collection
As per trade analyst Luiz Fernando, Wonka has grossed $10.4 million in its 9th weekend in the overseas market. Despite enjoying such a long run, the movie witnessed another 29% growth from the last weekend.
Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet, is enjoying a glorious run at the box office. The film was released in December but continues to witness footfalls all across the globe. It has now entered the Top 10 highest-grossers of 2023 as it gets closer to the $600 million club. Scroll below for all the details!
It was just yesterday we informed you about the huge feat achieved by the musical fantasy film in North America. Wonka turned out to be the first Timothee Chalamet film to have reached the $200 million mark in the domestic market. And the run isn’t over yet. It is expected to cross many other milestones in its lifetime run.
Wonka Box Office Overseas Collection
As per trade analyst Luiz Fernando, Wonka has grossed $10.4 million in its 9th weekend in the overseas market. Despite enjoying such a long run, the movie witnessed another 29% growth from the last weekend.
- 2/6/2024
- by Jishika Madaan
- KoiMoi
Wonka Box Office Update (Korea) ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
Even after spending over one and a half months in theatres, Timothee Chalamet’s Wonka is refusing to announce its exit from the box office game. This week, the film debuted in Korea, and right from the opening day, the response has been promising. But what has grabbed the attention of box office enthusiasts is the performance on the first Saturday. Keep reading to know more!
Wonka’s reception among critics & audiences
For those who don’t know, it was released in theatres on 15th December 2023. Upon its arrival, the musical fantasy film opened to mostly positive reviews from critics all across the globe. Other than that, the film already had good pre-release buzz, and there was a genuine interest on the ground level. This ground-level interest was further boosted due to favorable word-of-mouth, resulting in a successful affair at ticket windows.
Even after spending over one and a half months in theatres, Timothee Chalamet’s Wonka is refusing to announce its exit from the box office game. This week, the film debuted in Korea, and right from the opening day, the response has been promising. But what has grabbed the attention of box office enthusiasts is the performance on the first Saturday. Keep reading to know more!
Wonka’s reception among critics & audiences
For those who don’t know, it was released in theatres on 15th December 2023. Upon its arrival, the musical fantasy film opened to mostly positive reviews from critics all across the globe. Other than that, the film already had good pre-release buzz, and there was a genuine interest on the ground level. This ground-level interest was further boosted due to favorable word-of-mouth, resulting in a successful affair at ticket windows.
- 2/4/2024
- by Shalmesh More
- KoiMoi
Wonka At The Korean Box Office! (Photo Credit – IMDb)
Timothee Chalamet has scored the biggest grosser of his lifetime with Wonka. The film debuted in Korea on January 31, 2024, and knocked it out of the park. Warner Bros has just been blessed with the second biggest opening in the post-pandemic era. If that’s not enough, the live-action film has brought higher collections than Margot Robbie led Barbie in the overseas market. Scroll below for exciting updates!
For the unversed, Wonka is the third film made on the story of Willy Wonka. Previously, the tale was brought to the big screens by Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Johnny Depp‘s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). However, the Paul King directorial remains the biggest box office hit among all three films.
Wonka at the Korean Box Office
It’s been a fantastic start for Paul King’s film as it...
Timothee Chalamet has scored the biggest grosser of his lifetime with Wonka. The film debuted in Korea on January 31, 2024, and knocked it out of the park. Warner Bros has just been blessed with the second biggest opening in the post-pandemic era. If that’s not enough, the live-action film has brought higher collections than Margot Robbie led Barbie in the overseas market. Scroll below for exciting updates!
For the unversed, Wonka is the third film made on the story of Willy Wonka. Previously, the tale was brought to the big screens by Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Johnny Depp‘s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). However, the Paul King directorial remains the biggest box office hit among all three films.
Wonka at the Korean Box Office
It’s been a fantastic start for Paul King’s film as it...
- 2/1/2024
- by Jishika Madaan
- KoiMoi
Wonka Box Office Worldwide: Set To Become 7th Highest Grosser Of 2023 (Photo Credit – IMDb)
Timothee Chalamet is thriving, whether in his personal or professional life. Fans are in awe of his whirlwind romance with Kylie Jenner. But there are more reasons to celebrate as his recent release, Wonka, has crossed the $550 million mark at the worldwide box office. Scroll below for all the exciting updates!
Paul King directorial Wonka had a theatrical release in the overseas and US markets on December 8 and 15, 2023, respectively. It is the third film based on Willy Wonka after Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). The Timothee Chalamet starrer, however, turned out to be the most successful live-action film based on the subject.
Wonka Overseas Box Office
Despite completing way over a month at the ticket windows, Wonka continues to enjoy its glorious run worldwide. On the eighth weekend, it...
Timothee Chalamet is thriving, whether in his personal or professional life. Fans are in awe of his whirlwind romance with Kylie Jenner. But there are more reasons to celebrate as his recent release, Wonka, has crossed the $550 million mark at the worldwide box office. Scroll below for all the exciting updates!
Paul King directorial Wonka had a theatrical release in the overseas and US markets on December 8 and 15, 2023, respectively. It is the third film based on Willy Wonka after Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). The Timothee Chalamet starrer, however, turned out to be the most successful live-action film based on the subject.
Wonka Overseas Box Office
Despite completing way over a month at the ticket windows, Wonka continues to enjoy its glorious run worldwide. On the eighth weekend, it...
- 1/30/2024
- by Jishika Madaan
- KoiMoi
As fans of Mel Stuart's 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" can likely tell you, author Roald Dahl hated the film. His original 1964 novel, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," was, he felt, not a whimsical, sentimental story, but a Dickensian odyssey into a surreal landscape. Additionally, Dahl hated the casting of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, preferring British actor Spike Milligan. Too much was changed from his original text. Why adapt a book to screen, Dahl felt, if you're going to alter everything?
Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...
Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...
- 1/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Paul King's 2023 musical "Wonka" served as a prequel to Mel Stuart's 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," more than as an origin story extrapolated from Roald Dahl's 1964 novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." "Wonka" employed the same costumes, musical themes, and characters from Stuart's film, but suffused them with color, whimsy, and lightheartedness that was absent from Stuart's film. "Wonka," like the magical confections constructed by the titular chocolatey alchemist, is a fizzy, sweet delight. Despite being born of nostalgia-grabbing cynicism (recall how over-marketed Stuart's film has been to the world's jaded Gen-Xers), director King managed to build an enjoyable, featherweight romp set in a delightful world of powdery sugars and hidden romance. It's no wonder that "Wonka" has earned over half a billion dollars worldwide.
"Wonka" opened in North American theaters on December 15, 2023, and it is still playing in some markets. As its theatrical run slows,...
"Wonka" opened in North American theaters on December 15, 2023, and it is still playing in some markets. As its theatrical run slows,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
After last weeks first new release of the year, Night Swim, failed to really make a mark, this week is seeing two new releases rise to the occasion as Mean Girls landed in first place with a solid $28 million followed by the Jason Statham fronted The Beekeeper with $16.7 million.
Mean Girls opening number puts it just $8 million away from recouping its production budget, which again speaks to how keeping a films budget in check can yield great results ($300 million budgeted movies just aren’t sustainable!) The new musical, adapted from the stage play that was in turn adapted from the 2004 film, opened slightly better than its predecessor
Critics seemed to find enough to like in this update/ adaptation to recommend it (including our own Tyler Nichols who gave it a 7/10 review). While audiences seem to be a bit more lukewarm on the film, slapping it with a below average 66% audience score,...
Mean Girls opening number puts it just $8 million away from recouping its production budget, which again speaks to how keeping a films budget in check can yield great results ($300 million budgeted movies just aren’t sustainable!) The new musical, adapted from the stage play that was in turn adapted from the 2004 film, opened slightly better than its predecessor
Critics seemed to find enough to like in this update/ adaptation to recommend it (including our own Tyler Nichols who gave it a 7/10 review). While audiences seem to be a bit more lukewarm on the film, slapping it with a below average 66% audience score,...
- 1/14/2024
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Roald Dahl's novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was first published in 1963, and has been a perennial classroom favorite ever since. The story tells the tale of an impoverished, Dickensian moppet named Charlie who wins a sweepstakes held by the chocolate factory in his town. The chocolate factory, overseen by an eccentric recluse named Willy Wonka, produced sweets with eerie, magical powers; multi-flavored chewing gum caused its chewer to expand into a massive blueberry. That sort of thing. Of all the children who won Willy Wonka's sweepstakes, only Charlie survived the tour. Well, the other kids survived, but definitely the worse for wear.
Dahl's book was first adapted to a feature film in 1971, but that was only the first adaptation of many. The BBC adapted the book into a radio drama in 1983, and Zx Spectrum adapted it into a video game in 1985. There was a second video game...
Dahl's book was first adapted to a feature film in 1971, but that was only the first adaptation of many. The BBC adapted the book into a radio drama in 1983, and Zx Spectrum adapted it into a video game in 1985. There was a second video game...
- 1/14/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Wonka Worldwide Box Office Updates! ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
Wonka has completed a month-long run in over 30 overseas circuits. The musical, released on December 8, 2023, has amassed $28.9 million in its fifth weekend. Starring Timothee Chalamet in the lead, it is the third film based on Willy Wonka. And celebrations are in order because it is all set to surpass Johnny Depp led Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at the worldwide box office. Scroll below for all the details!
Directed by Paul King, Wonka also stars Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Natasha Rothwell, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant. It is based on the 1964 novel. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. There have previously been two films made on the subject – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005).
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005) starred Johnny Depp in the titular role.
Wonka has completed a month-long run in over 30 overseas circuits. The musical, released on December 8, 2023, has amassed $28.9 million in its fifth weekend. Starring Timothee Chalamet in the lead, it is the third film based on Willy Wonka. And celebrations are in order because it is all set to surpass Johnny Depp led Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at the worldwide box office. Scroll below for all the details!
Directed by Paul King, Wonka also stars Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Natasha Rothwell, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant. It is based on the 1964 novel. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. There have previously been two films made on the subject – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005).
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005) starred Johnny Depp in the titular role.
- 1/8/2024
- by Jishika Madaan
- KoiMoi
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on January 4th, 2024, comparing “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) with “Wonka” (2023), which is currently in theaters.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
In the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” young Charlie (Peter Ostrum) must find a golden ticket to take a tour of the reclusive Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) magical chocolate factory. As the world searches for the tickets, five kids get lucky through various means. But when one ticket turns out to be fraudulent, Charlie opens a chocolate bar he possesses to reveal that he has found the last elusive gold. He and his grandfather (Jack Albertson) are about to take the tour of a lifetime.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 2023, Timothée Chalamet takes on the Willy role in ‘Wonka.’ In this prequel to the story above, Willy Wonka comes to London after traveling the world to create his brand of chocolate magic.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
In the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” young Charlie (Peter Ostrum) must find a golden ticket to take a tour of the reclusive Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) magical chocolate factory. As the world searches for the tickets, five kids get lucky through various means. But when one ticket turns out to be fraudulent, Charlie opens a chocolate bar he possesses to reveal that he has found the last elusive gold. He and his grandfather (Jack Albertson) are about to take the tour of a lifetime.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 2023, Timothée Chalamet takes on the Willy role in ‘Wonka.’ In this prequel to the story above, Willy Wonka comes to London after traveling the world to create his brand of chocolate magic.
- 1/6/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The first major release of 2024 is a movie about a killer swimming pool. "Night Swim," which was co-written and directed by Bryce McGuire and produced by James Wan ("The Conjuring"), has paddled out into the shallow waters of the January box office, but it faces lingering competition from festive releases. Chief among those is the chocolate-oriented musical fantasy "Wonka," which looks set to hold on to the top spot this weekend after reclaiming it from "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" last week.
Even with the charms of Timothée Chalamet in the titular role, "Wonka" was a risky box office bet. Carrying a production cost of $125 million, it hovers somewhere between mid-budget and big-budget, and musicals can be a tough sell to general audiences. But thanks to nostalgia for 1971's "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," director Paul King's ("Paddington") talent for entertaining family members of all ages, and the Chalamet fan army,...
Even with the charms of Timothée Chalamet in the titular role, "Wonka" was a risky box office bet. Carrying a production cost of $125 million, it hovers somewhere between mid-budget and big-budget, and musicals can be a tough sell to general audiences. But thanks to nostalgia for 1971's "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," director Paul King's ("Paddington") talent for entertaining family members of all ages, and the Chalamet fan army,...
- 1/6/2024
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Paul Giamatti will be hoping to use the Golden Globes to press forward with his claims for a first Oscar nomination since his 2006 Best Supporting Actor bid for “Cinderella Man.” He stars this year in “The Holdovers,” which could lead him to a Best Actor nomination and has cemented him as the favorite to win Best Comedy/Musical Actor at the upcoming Golden Globes.
He’s nominated alongside Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction”), Matt Damon (“Air”), Nicolas Cage (“Dream Scenario”), Joaquin Phoenix (“Beau is Afraid”), and Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka”). Could Chalamet upset the apple cart by claiming a shock win for “Wonka?”
Chalamet plays the role previously occupied by icons Gene Wilder (1971’s “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”) and Johnny Depp (2006’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”). In the origin story “Wonka,” Chalamet plays a young chocolatier trying to take down the sinister Chocolate Cartel in the hopes of achieving...
He’s nominated alongside Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction”), Matt Damon (“Air”), Nicolas Cage (“Dream Scenario”), Joaquin Phoenix (“Beau is Afraid”), and Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka”). Could Chalamet upset the apple cart by claiming a shock win for “Wonka?”
Chalamet plays the role previously occupied by icons Gene Wilder (1971’s “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”) and Johnny Depp (2006’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”). In the origin story “Wonka,” Chalamet plays a young chocolatier trying to take down the sinister Chocolate Cartel in the hopes of achieving...
- 1/5/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
‘Wonka’ powers ahead to $379m total whilst ‘Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom’ swims to $251m.
Worldwide box office December 29-31 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world)Cume (world) 3-day (int’l)Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Shining For One Thing (various) $77.1m $77.1m $77.1m $77.1m 3 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) $70m $251.4m $50.5m $173.6m 78 3. Wonka (Warner Bros) $63m $379m $39.1m $244.4m 78 4. Migration (Universal) $34.3m $100.7m $17.1m $46.4m 69 5. Johnny Keep Walking! (various) $25.8m £32.3m $25.8m $32.3m 1 6. I Did It My Way (various) $25.7m $26m $25.7m $26m 1 7. The Goldfinger (various) $23m $23m $23m $23m 8 8. Wish (Disney) $16.7m $176.4m $15.4m $115.8m 45 9. Anyone But You...
Worldwide box office December 29-31 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world)Cume (world) 3-day (int’l)Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Shining For One Thing (various) $77.1m $77.1m $77.1m $77.1m 3 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) $70m $251.4m $50.5m $173.6m 78 3. Wonka (Warner Bros) $63m $379m $39.1m $244.4m 78 4. Migration (Universal) $34.3m $100.7m $17.1m $46.4m 69 5. Johnny Keep Walking! (various) $25.8m £32.3m $25.8m $32.3m 1 6. I Did It My Way (various) $25.7m $26m $25.7m $26m 1 7. The Goldfinger (various) $23m $23m $23m $23m 8 8. Wish (Disney) $16.7m $176.4m $15.4m $115.8m 45 9. Anyone But You...
- 1/1/2024
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
Throughout the 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," we watched as multiple children were sent to their apparent deaths, and Gene Wilder's Wonka did not seem particularly concerned about any of them. One got the sense that it was part of his plan for Augustus Gloop to drown in that river of chocolate or for Veruca Salt to seemingly fall to her death down that garbage chute. The Oompa Loompas even had a whole choreographed musical number after each incident, with lyrics perfectly suited to the situation, so clearly this was all pre-meditated.
Luckily for the more squeamish in the audience, other versions of the story have clarified that the kids survived. The original novel and the 2005 version both gave the kids a quick appearance at the end, with all of them alive but traumatized. Most of them had their bodies altered, possibly forever, leaving them with plenty...
Luckily for the more squeamish in the audience, other versions of the story have clarified that the kids survived. The original novel and the 2005 version both gave the kids a quick appearance at the end, with all of them alive but traumatized. Most of them had their bodies altered, possibly forever, leaving them with plenty...
- 12/31/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Wonka is a prequel screen adaptation of the famous story of Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl‘s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This prequel, aimed to detail the origins of Willy Wonka, was initially planned to be a companion to the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, which starred Gene Wilder in the titular role. Since this original film starring Wilder was a musical and the trailers of Wonka spotlighted the young Willy Wonka in a similar, musical demeanor, it was natural for people to expect the movie to be a musical. However, once Wonka finally came out on...
- 12/30/2023
- by Safwan Azeem
- TVovermind.com
Timothée Chalamet‘s filmography includes a number of titles that critics adored!
The 27-year-old actor most recently headlined Wonka, a prequel to 1971′s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Timothée‘s latest project has received plenty of praise.
Accordingly, we compiled Timothée‘s top 10 movies, based on their Rotten Tomatoes critic scores!
Continue through the slideshow to find out how critics rank Timothée Chalamet’s movies…...
The 27-year-old actor most recently headlined Wonka, a prequel to 1971′s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Timothée‘s latest project has received plenty of praise.
Accordingly, we compiled Timothée‘s top 10 movies, based on their Rotten Tomatoes critic scores!
Continue through the slideshow to find out how critics rank Timothée Chalamet’s movies…...
- 12/25/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Warner Bros./DC’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is leading the box office with a $40 million 4-day box office opening. But with middling audience reception, the final installment of the DC Extended Universe isn’t showing as much promise as other films farther down the charts.
“Aquaman 2” is already behind its $1 billion-plus 2018 predecessor, which earned a 3-day opening of $67.8 million, as well as the $47 million 3-day opening of the Marvel Studios bomb “The Marvels.”
On top of that, while the first “Aquaman” earned an A- on CinemaScore, the sequel earned a B, the same grade as Warner Bros.’ summer DC flop “The Flash.” Like that film, “Aquaman” carries a $200 million-plus budget, the highest of any new release this holiday season.
It’s an ignominious end to the once successful Dceu, as Warner Bros. released three other films in the series this year — “Shazam: Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash...
“Aquaman 2” is already behind its $1 billion-plus 2018 predecessor, which earned a 3-day opening of $67.8 million, as well as the $47 million 3-day opening of the Marvel Studios bomb “The Marvels.”
On top of that, while the first “Aquaman” earned an A- on CinemaScore, the sequel earned a B, the same grade as Warner Bros.’ summer DC flop “The Flash.” Like that film, “Aquaman” carries a $200 million-plus budget, the highest of any new release this holiday season.
It’s an ignominious end to the once successful Dceu, as Warner Bros. released three other films in the series this year — “Shazam: Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash...
- 12/24/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
He sings and he dances! But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t work. Timothée Chalamet had a three-month dance boot camp to prepare for “Wonka” — but luckily veteran choreographer Christopher Gattelli was there to guide him.
“The first lesson I had with him was actually in May of 2021. He was shooting ‘Bones and All’ at the time, and he came in with like this shocking red magenta hair and like super, super skinny Timmy and I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s not what I was expecting.'” But Gattelli pointed out that with Chalamet’s famous background at Laguardia High School, it wasn’t like starting from scratch. “And he has really great rhythm, so it wasn’t hard for him to pick it up.”
“Boot camp” sounds like Gattelli turned into the kind of strict dance instructor who terrifies his students, when in reality he’s warm and quick to laugh,...
“The first lesson I had with him was actually in May of 2021. He was shooting ‘Bones and All’ at the time, and he came in with like this shocking red magenta hair and like super, super skinny Timmy and I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s not what I was expecting.'” But Gattelli pointed out that with Chalamet’s famous background at Laguardia High School, it wasn’t like starting from scratch. “And he has really great rhythm, so it wasn’t hard for him to pick it up.”
“Boot camp” sounds like Gattelli turned into the kind of strict dance instructor who terrifies his students, when in reality he’s warm and quick to laugh,...
- 12/22/2023
- by Mark Peikert
- Indiewire
One of the most daunting challenges of “Wonka” was coming up with the design of the fantastical chocolate shop at the centerpiece of Paul King’s origin story. In a way, it’s a forerunner of the famous chocolate factory with echoes of the chocolate room, boat, and chocolate river, which King channels from both the 1964 Roald Dahl novel (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) and the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder (“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”).
However, it’s the invention of a crucial childhood memory that propels the journey of inventor, magician, and chocolatier Willy (Timothée Chalamet), who arrives in Europe to establish his chocolate shop at the Galeries Gourmet, only to run up against a ruthless chocolate cartel. But through a combination of creative ingenuity, heroic teamwork, and the most magical chocolate ever imagined, Willy manages to open his shop — at least temporarily.
“I love the idea that...
However, it’s the invention of a crucial childhood memory that propels the journey of inventor, magician, and chocolatier Willy (Timothée Chalamet), who arrives in Europe to establish his chocolate shop at the Galeries Gourmet, only to run up against a ruthless chocolate cartel. But through a combination of creative ingenuity, heroic teamwork, and the most magical chocolate ever imagined, Willy manages to open his shop — at least temporarily.
“I love the idea that...
- 12/22/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
When Paul King's 2014 film "Paddington" came out, audiences had reason to be skeptical. The beloved title character, a talking Peruvian bear left alone at London's Paddington station, wasn't necessarily a good fit for a live-action take. Movies like 2002's "Scooby Doo" and 2007's "Alvin and the Chipmunks" were proof that audiences would show up for CGI versions of classic characters, but the movies could also be ugly and loud, the most cynical kind of children's movie. Nobody wanted that fate for Paddington Bear.
But the character flourished in the new medium. King's film received a great deal of critical praise, getting a 97% positive approval rate on RottenTomatoes. The movie was sparkling, playful, and gleefully imaginative, and rather than stop the movie dead, Paddington's (voiced by Ben Wheatley) wild antics set the stage for physical comedy in the vein of Charlie Chaplin. 2017's "Paddington 2" was even better, finding...
But the character flourished in the new medium. King's film received a great deal of critical praise, getting a 97% positive approval rate on RottenTomatoes. The movie was sparkling, playful, and gleefully imaginative, and rather than stop the movie dead, Paddington's (voiced by Ben Wheatley) wild antics set the stage for physical comedy in the vein of Charlie Chaplin. 2017's "Paddington 2" was even better, finding...
- 12/19/2023
- by Anthony Crislip
- Slash Film
A new take on Roald Dahl's beloved chocolatier Willy Wonka is hitting theaters this week courtesy of "Paddington" director Paul King. "Dune" star Timothée Chalamet throws on the top hat and purple coat as a young Wonka trying to find his way in an unfamiliar place while attempting to open his own chocolate shop. Of course, we all know that Wonka turns out to be one of the greatest and strangest candy makers in the whole world, thanks to Gene Wilder's stellar performance in the classic 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." So while Chalamet's Willy is still rising, Wilder's Wonka remains the king of candy, and that's why Rsvlts is throwing it back to the original movie for their new shirt collection.
Inspired by Mel Stuart's beloved musical satire, the new "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" collection from Rsvlts features some classic graphics that...
Inspired by Mel Stuart's beloved musical satire, the new "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" collection from Rsvlts features some classic graphics that...
- 12/18/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
’Wonka’ topped the box office in 60 of its 77 international markets
Worldwide box office December 15-17 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world) Cume (world)3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) $92.6m $151.4m $53.6m $112.4m 78 2. Endless Journey (various) $20.5m $34.6m $20.5m $34.6m 1 3. Wish (Disney) $15.4m $126.2m $12.2m $71.9m 40 4. The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes (Lionsgate) $12.3 $300.5m $6.5m $155.3m 85 5. Wolf Hiding (various) $11.2m $12.2m $11.2m $12.2m 1 6. 12:12 The Day (Seoul Spring) (various) $10.6m $62.7m $10.6m $62.7m 5 7. Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (various) $10.3m $129.1m $10.3m $129.1m 3 8. Napoleon (Sony) $10.3m $188.4m $8m $131.4m 66 9. The Boy And The Heron (GKids...
Worldwide box office December 15-17 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world) Cume (world)3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) $92.6m $151.4m $53.6m $112.4m 78 2. Endless Journey (various) $20.5m $34.6m $20.5m $34.6m 1 3. Wish (Disney) $15.4m $126.2m $12.2m $71.9m 40 4. The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes (Lionsgate) $12.3 $300.5m $6.5m $155.3m 85 5. Wolf Hiding (various) $11.2m $12.2m $11.2m $12.2m 1 6. 12:12 The Day (Seoul Spring) (various) $10.6m $62.7m $10.6m $62.7m 5 7. Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (various) $10.3m $129.1m $10.3m $129.1m 3 8. Napoleon (Sony) $10.3m $188.4m $8m $131.4m 66 9. The Boy And The Heron (GKids...
- 12/18/2023
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
“Wonka,” a fantasy musical starring Timothée Chalamet as the eccentric chocolatier, charmed in its box office debut, collecting $39 million over the weekend.
It’s a sweet start, as long as the $125 million-budgeted family film has momentum around the holidays. The good news for Warner Bros. is that December releases rarely generate huge opening weekends but tend to stick around on the big screen and show staying power through the new year. To that end, it’s promising that “Wonka” landed an “A-” CinemaScore from audiences. Critics have been kind as well, bestowing “Wonka” with an 83% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a sign the PG film will be able to endure against competition from upcoming releases such as Universal and Illumination’s animated “Migration,” Warner’s musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” and the DC Comics sequel “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
“‘Wonka’ has the right tone for the...
It’s a sweet start, as long as the $125 million-budgeted family film has momentum around the holidays. The good news for Warner Bros. is that December releases rarely generate huge opening weekends but tend to stick around on the big screen and show staying power through the new year. To that end, it’s promising that “Wonka” landed an “A-” CinemaScore from audiences. Critics have been kind as well, bestowing “Wonka” with an 83% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a sign the PG film will be able to endure against competition from upcoming releases such as Universal and Illumination’s animated “Migration,” Warner’s musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” and the DC Comics sequel “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
“‘Wonka’ has the right tone for the...
- 12/17/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
‘Wonka’ Star Calah Lane on Swimming in Chocolate With Timothée Chalamet and Teaching Him Dance Moves
Calah Lane is relishing her life of pure imagination after starring alongside Timothée Chalamet in Warner Bros.’ anticipated holiday release Wonka.
The musical, which hit theaters Friday, features the 14-year-old actress as Noodle, a hard-working but underprivileged orphan who has never tasted chocolate until she ends up in the same boarding facility as Chalamet’s dessert-adoring Willy Wonka. Depicting the early years of the character who originated in Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, director Paul King’s movie also stars Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman and Keegan-Michael Key.
Lane, who earned a Critics Choice nomination for her breakout role, grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and first showed an interest in performing when her mother filmed her belting out a Michael Jackson hit at age 2. After that, she landed a supporting part in a production of Annie at age 4 and later appeared on Kidding, Hollywood, This Is Us and Family Reunion,...
The musical, which hit theaters Friday, features the 14-year-old actress as Noodle, a hard-working but underprivileged orphan who has never tasted chocolate until she ends up in the same boarding facility as Chalamet’s dessert-adoring Willy Wonka. Depicting the early years of the character who originated in Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, director Paul King’s movie also stars Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman and Keegan-Michael Key.
Lane, who earned a Critics Choice nomination for her breakout role, grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and first showed an interest in performing when her mother filmed her belting out a Michael Jackson hit at age 2. After that, she landed a supporting part in a production of Annie at age 4 and later appeared on Kidding, Hollywood, This Is Us and Family Reunion,...
- 12/16/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More than half a century after Gene Wilder charmed and terrified children in equal measure in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," it's Timothée Chalamet's turn to cook up sweet and improbable treats in "Wonka," a musical prequel from "Paddington"/"Paddington 2" director Paul King. Musicals are always a risky bet at the box office, but by downplaying the singing and dancing and focusing trailers around its quirky leading man, "Wonka" has achieved a good (if not necessarily grand) opening.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, "Wonka" is on track to gross $38 million or more at the domestic box office in its opening weekend, following an opening day gross of $14.4 million. The film has a relatively conservative budget of $125 million, so it needs at least $300 million worldwide by the end of its run to comfortably break even and start turning a profit. That's easily doable, especially looking at King's track record.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, "Wonka" is on track to gross $38 million or more at the domestic box office in its opening weekend, following an opening day gross of $14.4 million. The film has a relatively conservative budget of $125 million, so it needs at least $300 million worldwide by the end of its run to comfortably break even and start turning a profit. That's easily doable, especially looking at King's track record.
- 12/16/2023
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” is off to a decent start at the box office with $14.4 million grossed from 4,208 theaters on Friday, including $3.5 million from Thursday previews.
That puts Paul King’s family friendly musical prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at an estimated $38 million opening weekend, firmly within the $35-40 million range projected by trackers.
With a reported $125 million budget before marketing, “Wonka” has a long way to go before it turns a theatrical profit, but has a chance of doing so if it legs out through the holiday season. Reception has been strong across the board with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 84% critics and 90% audience, an A- on CinemaScore, and PostTrak scores of 5/5 from parents and 4.5/5 from kids and general audiences.
Unfortunately for theaters, “Wonka” is making up roughly half of all business at the box office this weekend, as Christmas 2023 will be a much less lucrative period for...
That puts Paul King’s family friendly musical prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at an estimated $38 million opening weekend, firmly within the $35-40 million range projected by trackers.
With a reported $125 million budget before marketing, “Wonka” has a long way to go before it turns a theatrical profit, but has a chance of doing so if it legs out through the holiday season. Reception has been strong across the board with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 84% critics and 90% audience, an A- on CinemaScore, and PostTrak scores of 5/5 from parents and 4.5/5 from kids and general audiences.
Unfortunately for theaters, “Wonka” is making up roughly half of all business at the box office this weekend, as Christmas 2023 will be a much less lucrative period for...
- 12/16/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
The Timothée Chalamet-led Wonka scored an opening day gross of $14.4 million from 4,203 theaters at the Friday box office, putting it on course to earn $38 million or more in its North American opening.
That’s a promising start for a musical, a genre that has struggled in recent times. From Warner Bros. and Harry Potter franchise producer David Heyman, Wonka is a whimsical origin tale about the magical candyman Willy Wonka, who was played by Gene Wilder in the classic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Audiences bestowed Wonka with an A- CinemaScore, while 60 percent of Friday ticket buyers were between the ages of 18 and 34. The largest quad was 18 to 24 at 33 percent, while another 10 percent of ticket buyers were between 13 and 17, underscoring Chalamet’s star status with younger moviegoers. Wonka is skewing slightly female so far, or 54 percent.
Directed by Paul King of Paddington fame and starring Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka,...
That’s a promising start for a musical, a genre that has struggled in recent times. From Warner Bros. and Harry Potter franchise producer David Heyman, Wonka is a whimsical origin tale about the magical candyman Willy Wonka, who was played by Gene Wilder in the classic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Audiences bestowed Wonka with an A- CinemaScore, while 60 percent of Friday ticket buyers were between the ages of 18 and 34. The largest quad was 18 to 24 at 33 percent, while another 10 percent of ticket buyers were between 13 and 17, underscoring Chalamet’s star status with younger moviegoers. Wonka is skewing slightly female so far, or 54 percent.
Directed by Paul King of Paddington fame and starring Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka,...
- 12/16/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Whenever a big studio movie comes along, it's a foregone conclusion that the road to its theatrical release will feature a variety of cross-promotional tie-ins. Whether it's action figures and Funko POPs, t-shirts and cosmetics, or even specialty menus at chain restaurants, the studio's publicity campaign tries anything and everything to raise awareness and drive people to theaters to see a given movie. Sometimes, a movie is tailor-made for cross-promotional tie-ins.
Take "Wonka," for example, a movie that is packed with delicious chocolates. Even on the film's set, the candy was real and available for the cast and crew to eat. Because of the movie's sweet center, you'd think Warner Bros. would be taking full advantage of the film's primary prop as a way to bring chocolates to the masses, inspired by their appearance in the chocolatier's origin story from "Paddington" director Paul King. But you'd be wrong.
That's right,...
Take "Wonka," for example, a movie that is packed with delicious chocolates. Even on the film's set, the candy was real and available for the cast and crew to eat. Because of the movie's sweet center, you'd think Warner Bros. would be taking full advantage of the film's primary prop as a way to bring chocolates to the masses, inspired by their appearance in the chocolatier's origin story from "Paddington" director Paul King. But you'd be wrong.
That's right,...
- 12/16/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Spoilers for "Wonka" follow.
Director Paul King, best known for the "Paddington" movies, chose to venture away from the terribly kind Peruvian bear for a journey into the world of author Roald Dahl. "Wonka" focuses on an origin story inspired by "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the book that was previously turned into the 1971 classic film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" with Gene Wilder as the eccentric chocolatier, as well as Tim Burton's take on the material in 2005 with Johnny Depp donning the top hat. This time, it's Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka, who is looking to open up his own chocolate shop in honor of his late mother (Sally Hawkins), the woman responsible for his love of chocolate.
In "Wonka," the candyman faces a variety of challenges, including his own naivete. But the biggest hurdle is the chocolate cartel, a trio of professional candy makers...
Director Paul King, best known for the "Paddington" movies, chose to venture away from the terribly kind Peruvian bear for a journey into the world of author Roald Dahl. "Wonka" focuses on an origin story inspired by "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the book that was previously turned into the 1971 classic film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" with Gene Wilder as the eccentric chocolatier, as well as Tim Burton's take on the material in 2005 with Johnny Depp donning the top hat. This time, it's Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka, who is looking to open up his own chocolate shop in honor of his late mother (Sally Hawkins), the woman responsible for his love of chocolate.
In "Wonka," the candyman faces a variety of challenges, including his own naivete. But the biggest hurdle is the chocolate cartel, a trio of professional candy makers...
- 12/15/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
This article contains plenty of Wonka spoilers (plus more from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!).
There’s just something about the sight of a man in a plush plum coat dancing with a green-haired Oompa Loompa that is irresistible. Try as you might not to give in, even the dastardly chocolate cartel would smile if they saw the final scene of Wonka, which features Timothée Chalamet’s Willy tripping the light fantastic with a miniature Hugh Grant. Together, the pair are poised to build what will become Willy Wonka’s fabled chocolate factory. A place of pure imagination, as the song goes.
Laugh it up though Willy, your chocolate utopia is about to be smashed into a million shards.
Wonka director Paul King is clear that he wanted to be both faithful to Roald Dahl’s novel, but also to serve as a prequel to Gene Wilder’s Willy...
There’s just something about the sight of a man in a plush plum coat dancing with a green-haired Oompa Loompa that is irresistible. Try as you might not to give in, even the dastardly chocolate cartel would smile if they saw the final scene of Wonka, which features Timothée Chalamet’s Willy tripping the light fantastic with a miniature Hugh Grant. Together, the pair are poised to build what will become Willy Wonka’s fabled chocolate factory. A place of pure imagination, as the song goes.
Laugh it up though Willy, your chocolate utopia is about to be smashed into a million shards.
Wonka director Paul King is clear that he wanted to be both faithful to Roald Dahl’s novel, but also to serve as a prequel to Gene Wilder’s Willy...
- 12/15/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Paul King's "Wonka" is now playing in theaters (check out our review here), so it's time to dig into it, and what better way than to focus on the star of the show? No, not all the delicious chocolate, although there's an argument to be made that the excellent edibles on display are the real stars of the film. No, I'm talking about Mr. Wonka himself, played by Timothée Chalamet in the new prequel/reboot.
Chalamet had some mighty big shoes (and top hat) to fill when agreeing to play Young Wonka here. He was preceded by Johnny Depp in Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the iconic, memed-to-death turn by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," and, of course, the original written character by Roald Dahl.
His choice for the character is somewhat different than what a fan of the previous on-screen Wonkas might expect.
Chalamet had some mighty big shoes (and top hat) to fill when agreeing to play Young Wonka here. He was preceded by Johnny Depp in Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the iconic, memed-to-death turn by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," and, of course, the original written character by Roald Dahl.
His choice for the character is somewhat different than what a fan of the previous on-screen Wonkas might expect.
- 12/15/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
No one really asked for a prequel to "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" that focused on the origin of a future psychotic child murderer -- especially if it meant losing a third Paul King "Paddington" movie. Even fewer people could have predicted that "Wonka" would end up being a pretty great film. As our own Ethan Anderton wrote in this review, the film has a "well-thought-out story that doesn't even lean heavily on nostalgia or cheeky references to the classic film adaptation."
Indeed, the film is a riot. Paul King delivers a whimsical, colorful holiday film for the whole family that features a fantastic ensemble that steals every scene they're in, and there's a sense of whimsy that is reminiscent of King's "Paddington" movies. Timothée Chalamet finds the right balance between homaging Gene Wilder and doing his own weird little chocolate-loving psycho. There are even hints of some of...
Indeed, the film is a riot. Paul King delivers a whimsical, colorful holiday film for the whole family that features a fantastic ensemble that steals every scene they're in, and there's a sense of whimsy that is reminiscent of King's "Paddington" movies. Timothée Chalamet finds the right balance between homaging Gene Wilder and doing his own weird little chocolate-loving psycho. There are even hints of some of...
- 12/14/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The cast of the upcoming film ‘Wonka’, which stars Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key and Simon Farnaby among others, got a chance to taste the popular Indian candy ‘Mango Bite’ and their reactions suggest that they loved it.
A video shared by Warner Bros. India shows Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key and Simon Farnaby trying the Indian candy.
Chalamet likes the bright yellow and green packaging.
To which, Coleman says the packaging “is like a little handbag.”
She then tries the candy calling it is yummy and tagged it as her “favourite”.
Grant then tries it and said: “I am liking this very much. It takes me back to Calcutta (Kolkata).”
Chalamet says the last three candies, including this one were a “home run.”
Keegan loves it too.
The interviewer talks about how children share this candy in school on their birthday,...
A video shared by Warner Bros. India shows Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key and Simon Farnaby trying the Indian candy.
Chalamet likes the bright yellow and green packaging.
To which, Coleman says the packaging “is like a little handbag.”
She then tries the candy calling it is yummy and tagged it as her “favourite”.
Grant then tries it and said: “I am liking this very much. It takes me back to Calcutta (Kolkata).”
Chalamet says the last three candies, including this one were a “home run.”
Keegan loves it too.
The interviewer talks about how children share this candy in school on their birthday,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Agency News Desk
The cast of the upcoming film ‘Wonka’, which stars Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key and Simon Farnaby among others, got a chance to taste the popular Indian candy ‘Mango Bite’ and their reactions suggest that they loved it.
A video shared by Warner Bros. India shows Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key and Simon Farnaby trying the Indian candy.
Chalamet likes the bright yellow and green packaging.
To which, Coleman says the packaging “is like a little handbag.”
She then tries the candy calling it is yummy and tagged it as her “favourite”.
Grant then tries it and said: “I am liking this very much. It takes me back to Calcutta (Kolkata).”
Chalamet says the last three candies, including this one were a “home run.”
Keegan loves it too.
The interviewer talks about how children share this candy in school on their birthday,...
A video shared by Warner Bros. India shows Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key and Simon Farnaby trying the Indian candy.
Chalamet likes the bright yellow and green packaging.
To which, Coleman says the packaging “is like a little handbag.”
She then tries the candy calling it is yummy and tagged it as her “favourite”.
Grant then tries it and said: “I am liking this very much. It takes me back to Calcutta (Kolkata).”
Chalamet says the last three candies, including this one were a “home run.”
Keegan loves it too.
The interviewer talks about how children share this candy in school on their birthday,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
After two weeks with no major studio releases, we get another weekend with just a single new wide release, though it should be one of the bigger holiday movies. Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
What’s interesting about the three releases we’re covering in today’s weekend preview is that all three of them received mentions at the Golden Globes nominations on Monday.
The widest release into over 4,000 theaters is Warner Bros’ musical prequel “Wonka,” telling the origin story of chocolatier Willy Wonka, as played by Timothée Chalamet. The character was introduced in Roald Baum‘s 1964 children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” but was made famous when played by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Directed by Paul King (“Paddington”), this new take on the character, his origin story, co-stars Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Keegan Michael-Key,...
What’s interesting about the three releases we’re covering in today’s weekend preview is that all three of them received mentions at the Golden Globes nominations on Monday.
The widest release into over 4,000 theaters is Warner Bros’ musical prequel “Wonka,” telling the origin story of chocolatier Willy Wonka, as played by Timothée Chalamet. The character was introduced in Roald Baum‘s 1964 children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” but was made famous when played by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Directed by Paul King (“Paddington”), this new take on the character, his origin story, co-stars Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Keegan Michael-Key,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
This week brings "Wonka" to theaters, offering a fairly sweet origin tale of the famous fictional chocolatier known as Willy Wonka. Director Paul King ("Paddington") brings his signature dose of whimsy to Roald Dahl's world of cynicism, inspired by both the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and partially by the original 1971 film adaptation "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." When you have a new movie squarely focused on delicious treats, it only makes sense to have a proper promotional food tie-in. What you might not expect is that the cross-promotional tie-in comes from Ihop, the International House of Pancakes.
That's right, Ihop has an official "Wonka" menu, including a signature serving of purple pancakes, inspired by the candyman's trademark wardrobe. But that's not all, because the "Wonka" menu includes a variety of sweets and treats perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, a couple of tasty drinks, and even a special cheeseburger.
That's right, Ihop has an official "Wonka" menu, including a signature serving of purple pancakes, inspired by the candyman's trademark wardrobe. But that's not all, because the "Wonka" menu includes a variety of sweets and treats perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, a couple of tasty drinks, and even a special cheeseburger.
- 12/12/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
When “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” hit theaters in 1971, it barely broke even. A decade later, as VCRs became ubiquitous, the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” finally found an audience eager to embrace its off-beat look at a bizarre chocolatier and the “golden ticket” contest he launches. The advent of home entertainment turned a box office also-ran into a beloved part of many people’s childhood viewing histories.
One remake later, and Willy Wonka is back again, only this time it’s Timothée Chalamet wearing the character’s trademark top hat and flaunting his sweet tooth. “Wonka” hits theaters this weekend, opening in more than 4,150 locations. Those include Imax and other premium formats, which could goose ticket sales. As it stands, “Wonka” is expected to generate $35 million in its debut weekend. That would be just under the $41 million that “Dune,” the...
One remake later, and Willy Wonka is back again, only this time it’s Timothée Chalamet wearing the character’s trademark top hat and flaunting his sweet tooth. “Wonka” hits theaters this weekend, opening in more than 4,150 locations. Those include Imax and other premium formats, which could goose ticket sales. As it stands, “Wonka” is expected to generate $35 million in its debut weekend. That would be just under the $41 million that “Dune,” the...
- 12/12/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
With every annual Golden Globe nominations announcement comes the smashing of a plethora of records, and this year was no exception. Several 2023 movies and TV shows and the creatives behind them have pulled off amazing achievements just by landing on the latest ballot and deserve to be celebrated before they prepare to win or lose at the January 7 ceremony. Take a look below at our breakdown of this year’s most impressive Golden Globe nominations records, sorted by category.
Film
Best Drama Actor
– This year’s lineup is the first to include three Irish-born nominees: Barry Keoghan (“Saltburn”), Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”), and Andrew Scott (“All of Us Strangers”).
– Leonardo DiCaprio (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) is, at 49, the youngest male actor to reach a lead film nominations total of 12, surpassing Jack Lemmon (54 in 1980).
Best Drama Actress
– Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) is the first Indigenous actress nominated for a theatrical film role.
Film
Best Drama Actor
– This year’s lineup is the first to include three Irish-born nominees: Barry Keoghan (“Saltburn”), Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”), and Andrew Scott (“All of Us Strangers”).
– Leonardo DiCaprio (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) is, at 49, the youngest male actor to reach a lead film nominations total of 12, surpassing Jack Lemmon (54 in 1980).
Best Drama Actress
– Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) is the first Indigenous actress nominated for a theatrical film role.
- 12/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
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