Here’s 8 Similarities Between Wonka and the Previous Willy Wonka Films
The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory film, which starred the late Gene Wilder and was released in 1971, sought to bring Roald Dahl’s 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life. Revered as a classic, it brought the zany characters to the screen with catchy music and delectable treats. Then, in 2005 fans were graced with a remake, with a darker spin on the original, featuring the eccentric Johnny Depp as the wacky chocolatier who surprises five lucky winners with the iconic golden tickets. Now, in 2023, we get a different viewpoint on the renowned chocolatier, a prequel titled Wonka that is, with Timothée Chalamet portraying a young, optimistic version of Wonka we’ve never seen before. Chalamet has recently said his Wonka character is an "original take" on Roald Dahl's character. Now that there are officially three renditions of the character Wonka, it’s only right to find similarities that are seeded through all three films.
Eccentric Personality
Timothée Chalamet maintained the eccentric trademark of Willy Wonka that we see throughout all three films, but it’s important to note that Chalamet’s portrayal is a positive version. Despite having multiple setbacks in the film, he remains his cheery and optimistic self. This left me wondering, what happened between this film and the contrasting Gene Wilder one that made Mr. Wonka so cynical and less trusting of people?
Golden Tickets
We learn the golden tickets that are seen in the 1971 and 2005 movies are inspired by Wonka’s bar of chocolate that he held onto from his late mother, as well as the sweet meaning behind it.
Slugworth Chocolates
The corporate chocolatiers Arthur Slugworth, Gerald Prodnose, and Felix Fickelgruber want to take Willy down in Wonka. In the 1971 film, there’s a loyalty test for the children featuring a fake Slugworth, while the 2005 film has Wonka shut down his factory for a while due to spies from those three chocolate companies. This film reveals the origin of the chocolate feud and, let me tell you, Slugworth is not as sweet as his chocolate.
Strike That, Reverse It!
There are iconic scenes in films you reminisce on because they’re just that memorable. The line of “we have so much time and little to see, strike that, reverse it” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is one of them. Chalamet brought this line back to life in Wonka film and rightfully so. It adds a certain depth to a character we’ve all come to love and shows that he’s human. He has his catchphrases just like you and me!
(Very) Long Contracts
In the 2023 film, Wonka is trapped into laundry servitude by Mrs. Scrubbit and her suspicious contract. It’s that darn miniscule fine print! Perhaps this serves as the inspiration for the contracts with fine print that he utilizes for his future factory visitors in the previous films.
Pure Imagination
Above all else, the song “Pure Imagination” sung by Gene Wilder from the 1971 film still holds up today and is arguably the most famous and lasting work from the film. Chalamet delivers his own rendition of the song in Wonka and it’s pure bliss.
The Oompa Loompa Song
The notable Oompa Loompas are featured in all three renditions. The 2023 film addresses the issue most effectively, giving the mischievous character a solidified backstory. We get to see how these characters emerged in Wonka’s younger life and remain by his side. Above all else, it wouldn’t be a true Willy Wonka film without the Oompa Loompas singing a song, which they do in all three films.
The Use of Boats
“All I ask is a tall ship and a star to sail her by.” The new film features a prominent introduction to Willy Wonka — on a boat, no less. It’s fitting as the chocolate showman clearly loves a boat and even rides one down a (any guesses?) chocolate river in the other films!
