Timothee Chalamet 'Wonka' prequel begins production in United Kingdom

Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Warner Brothers announced the start of production on Wonka Wednesday. Timothee Chalamet stars as Willy Wonka, the chocolate factory impresario of Road Dahl's book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Chalamet was cast in May as a young Wonka in the prequel. Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp played Wonka in 1971 and 2005 movie adaptations of Dahl's book.

Paddington writer/director Paul King directs a Wonka screenplay credited to King and Simon Farnaby, who also plays a role in the film. Production is underway in the U.K.

Joining Chalamet in the cast are Rowan Atkinson, Mathew Baynton, Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, Tom Davis, Rich Fulcher, Sally Hawkins, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Paterson Joseph, Keegan-Michael Key, Calah Lane, Matt Lucas, Colin O'Brien, Natasha Rothwell, Rakhee Thakrar and Ellie White.

In Dahl's book, Willy Wonka gives a tour of his magical chocolate factory to five lucky winners who receive a golden ticket in his chocolate bars. One by one, each child is eliminated by breaking the rules of the factory.

Both movie adaptations were musicals. Warner Bros. makes no mention of music or soundtrack in the announcement.

Warner Bros. confirms Wonka takes place before the Chocolate Factory story. Wonka is set to open March 17, 2023