Wonka director Paul King debunks a popular theory surrounding Charlie and the Chocolate Factory‘s titular character. The Paddington director’s 2023 movie took audiences to the years preceding the events of Roald Dahl’s beloved 1964 children’s novel, exploring how Timothée Chalamet’s eponymous chocolatier made his name and earned his culinary acclaim. Receiving critical acclaim, Wonka became a financial success upon its release in December 2023, earning award nominations and becoming the eighth highest-grossing feature of the year.
In an interview with Screen Rant for Wonka‘s Blu-ray and DVD release, King debunked one popular theory audiences had taken away from the feature. The director quickly dispelled speculation that the shoe-shining boy was Charlie Bucket of the original novel, as some had wondered. Check out King’s explanation below:
Paul King:
I did hear that theory. That is sadly not true. The timescales just don’t work out. Willy Wonka in
Charlie is supposed to be an old man, so there are a million Easter eggs, but that’s not one.
This is a developing story…
Wonka
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Wonka is a prequel film to Roald Dahl’s classic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and follows the origins of the legendary candy maker. From his first encounter with the Oompa Loompas to founding his deliciously magnificent headquarters, Wonka explores the character in a new light. Timothee Chalamet assumes the role of Willy Wonka himself.
- Director
- Paul King
- Release Date
- December 15, 2023
- Studio(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Distributor(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Writers
- Paul King , Simon Farnaby
- Cast
- Sally Hawkins , Olivia Colman , Keegan-Michael Key , Rowan Atkinson , Timothee Chalamet , Jim Carter
- prequel(s)
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory , Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Budget
- $125 million
