Johnny as Willy Wonka? Oompa-Loompa!

Bad boy turned current critical and audience darling for his turn in Pirates of the Caribbean Johnny Depp may play Willy Wonka for Tim Burton's adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Michael Fleming writes in Variety that "Depp and Burton...came away from their meeting sparked to make the film and negotiations are expected to begin shortly." Additionally, the film would be produced by Brad Grey, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston (via their production company Plan B...so...many...pretty...people...our...head...hurts) and Michael Siegel who manages Roald Dahl's estate. Gothamist thinks this is brilliant. We never thought of Willy Wonka as being sexy, but okay.

Gene Wilder was a great Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory even though Fleming says Dahl, who adapted his book for the screen, didn't think it was a good movie. But you can get your Fantastic Mr. Fox on by checking out the official Roald Dahl website.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on August 20, 2003 8:37 AM

Comments [rss]

Reesie

November 13th all you Wonka fans. I want it NOOOOOOOOW! (sound familiar?)

Dannon Black

in the past i have seen Tim Burton films with boy Johhny in it and i loved them. after seeing that Depp has based the character on Marilyn Manson, i fliped. he said that he wanted to add that dark edge to the character. i cant wait.

jenna

Johnny Depp is the single GREATEST guy in the entire world!! He is fricken my hero and I am his favorite lil fan!! ok well every1 is i guess but he is sooooo hott and Johnny, ou will be the best Willy Wonka this world has ever seen! GO SEE THE MOVIE OR DIE!!!!! i love u johnny, forever

Rosemaria

to use Johnny Depp as wonka in my oppinion THE BEST FUCKING IDEA EVER HE was the best captin jack in the pirites of the caribean so why not use the best actor in the GREATEST BOOK TURNED FILM EVER SINCE THE STORY HARRY POTTER and that is just it

PS.

LOVE JOHNNY DEPP FOREVER

Dertt

Why do they need to remake the film anyway? The original was just fine. Gene Wilder was perfect for Wonka. Depp seems too much like... well, Wilder was perfect.

Tim Burton is still an awesome director even if his career seems to be going downhill. "Big Fish" was pretty good, I have to say. And the concept of Marilyn Manson playing Willy Wonka is somewhat creepy. It'd be an interesting role for him, but as an archetype not a character, because I can't really imagine his bizarre visage donning that hat and flippin' out with a cane and such. I guess the main reason he doesn't really fit the role is just because when you think of Wonka, you think of Wilder.

I mean, come on people. Admit it!

Lindsey

I think Marilyn Manson would make a wonderful Willy Wonka, I really want him to have the part!!!

Lwemonade is ywummy

Johnny Depp is sooooo hott!!! I reckon he will be awesome as willy wonka coz he's so wierd!!!!!!!!!And to all yall gene wilder fans, he was OK in Willy wonka and the.... But he was so damn annoying!! He sounded so...argh!! and they need a remake of this movie coz it was ages ago wen theymade it and the lollies looked like balloons...

Lwemonade is ywummy

Johnny Depp is sooooo hott!!! I reckon he will be awesome as willy wonka coz he's so wierd!!!!!!!!!And to all yall gene wilder fans, he was OK in Willy wonka and the.... But he was so damn annoying!! He sounded so...argh!! and they need a remake of this movie coz it was ages ago wen theymade it and the lollies looked like balloons...

tina

Johnny Depp is the hottest thing ever!!!!!!!!!!

He would be great for this movie

tina

Johnny Depp is the hottest thing ever!!!!!!!!!!

He would be great for this movie

the lone thelemite

Gene Wilder can never be topped for his performance. We all know that Johnny is the MAN but seriously, Tim burton has enigmatically transformed into the DOUCHEBAG over the years.. I mean what the fuck was with planet of the apes?!?!? How the fuck can he diss the original Wonka flick? Did you all know that this script is LESS DARK!?!? LESS DARK!?!?!? HAS TIM BURTON FLIPPED HIS SHIT!? Has Mr. Edward Scissorhands Tim Burton turned into a FLAMING BAG OF DOUCHE WITH NOZZLES!?!? GOD DAMN! ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRR

An old-school fan of the original Wonka

sonja

i want to act in this movie! i mean, tim burton the best director and johnny depp the best actor!! cool

sonja

i want to act in this movie! i mean, tim burton the best director and johnny depp the best actor!! cool

sonja

i want to act in this movie! im mean, tim burton the best director and johnny depp the best actor!! cool

jaylena

i can't wait to see thee movie!

Tiffany Cruz

When I heard that Johnny depp was going to probably play the lead role i was happy because he is a great actor and all his movies rock!

Zana

The classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been a favourite from childhood. This new film will rule..after seeing Blow and F&L in Las Vegas I gained an even more heightened appreciation for Johnny. Edward Scissor Hands is amazing as well. All you losers writing crap about nothing on this site are a waste of time and space. To those who care...did you know that The Last Unicorn movie is being re-done in 2005? I am sycked for that.

sam

i hate johnny depp too but only for the stupidest reasons. Im sure hes probably a nice guy, but who isnt in the eyes of the public. hey marilyn manson is too ugalay to play anything. I hate depp

algal

it will be really interesting to see how johnny depp depicts willy wonka. i've heard rumors that it will be a little more darker, like joe M said, but i'm not sure. i was wondering if anyone knew when it's coming out....i think it will come out in 2005, but then again, im not sure. i really admire his talent and his bravery to take 'risky' roles,and i would love to see him act in a roald dahl book.

Rachel Tibbs

OMG i am sooo happy that johnny is gonna play willy wonka!!! i heard that tim burton doesnt really like the original so it might not be like the 1st movie.. even though it would crack me up to see johnny doing the scene in the boat where wonka goes a bit crazy lol johnny if u ever read this (unlikely) u should come do something in WV where i live!! i doubt he would though cause the only thing to do would be sign autographs and i really doubt he would do that.. i wouldnt either but who cares about me lol also u guys are really gross.. this comment place is not about sex its about an amazing actor that doesnt deserve to have u all being disgusting on here!! by the way kiki.. he and vanessa are not officially married.. and obviously u havent seen potc if u think he's ugly and i have to say something more about tim burton: HE IS SO AWESOME!!! and I LOVE YOU JOHNNY DEPP and pardon johnny for the slightly creepy email address.. which u should feel free to email by the way lol