EntertainmentThe world's number one. "The perfect holiday movie - spectacular!"

The world's number one. "The perfect holiday movie - spectacular!"

"Dune" star Timothee Chalamet played the character of Willy Wonka.
"Dune" star Timothee Chalamet played the character of Willy Wonka.
Images source: © Press materials

8:04 AM EST, December 11, 2023

Is the third time a charm? Although the previous two adaptations of Roald Dahl's novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" fared well in theaters, they were somewhat lackluster. In the latest iteration, "Dune" star Timothée Chalamet takes on the role of Willy Wonka.

As a child, Willy Wonka was strictly prohibited from eating sweets. His father, a renowned dentist, allowed him to go trick-or-treating during Halloween, but all the candy he collected was discarded. One day, Willy stealthily ate the only surviving sweet, igniting his love for confectioneries. As an adult, Willy opened a candy store, amassed a fortune, and eventually built the world's largest chocolate factory.

Nearly every child in English-speaking countries is familiar with this story, penned by renowned British author Roald Dahl. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has been adapted into three films. The first one, originally titled "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," was released in 1971 with popular comedian Gene Wilder in the leading role. Many in Poland came to know Willy Wonka through Tim Burton's 2005 film adaptation, in which Johnny Depp starred.

The third film adaptation of Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" arrived this year, featuring Timothée Chalamet. Thanks to "Dune", Chalamet has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actors. The film is simplified to "Wonka" and, following the tradition of its predecessors, is produced as a musical.

According to critics, "Wonka" outshines previous adaptations of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and is one of the most thrilling musicals in recent years. "This soul-lifting musical feast features a sweet and charming Timothée Chalamet. An emotional, witty story is accentuated with catchy songs. It's the ideal movie for the holiday season. Spectacular," writes a critic from CineXpress.

Film market analysts predict "Wonka" may rival the success of the 2017 musical "The Greatest Showman" (featuring Hugh Jackman), which grossed over 400 million dollars at the box office. Currently, the musical is dominating the global box office. It premiered in 37 countries last weekend, raking in a total of 43.2 million dollars. Filmgoers in the United States and Poland can anticipate its release in theaters on December 14.

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