Timothee Chalamet reveals first look as Willy Wonka

Actor Timothee Chalamet has shared the first look of himself as the young version of author Roald Dahl’s famous character of inventor and chocolate genius Willy Wonka.

The actor posted the picture on his Instagram with the caption “The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last,” referencing a line spoken by Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Wonka in the original 1971 adaptation ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.’ Chalamet also posted the image to his Twitter, while Warner Bros. shared it through Facebook and Instagram.

While plot details are being kept under wraps, the Warner Bros. prequel will reportedly explore how Willy Wonka became an illustrious candymaker. The production is billed as a musical, with reps for Chalamet confirming that the actor will be singing and dancing in the film.

Willy Wonka was created by famed author Roald Dahl. The character debuted in the 1964 novel ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ which followed a poor boy named Charlie Bucket who wins a golden ticket to tour the wondrous and terrifying chocolate factory run by Wonka.

Willy Wonka, the owner of the Chocolate Factory was played by Johnny Depp in a bizarre remake in 2005, but it was Gene Wilder’s original performance in the first 1971 movie adaptation that’s most iconic.

‘Wonka’ is set to release in theaters on March 17, 2023.