Donald Glover, Ryan Gosling, and Ezra Miller Are Up For The Role of Willy Wonka in New Film
Warner Bros. is currently developing a new Willy Wonka film with director Paddington director Paul King. The movie will center around the eccentric character and is said to focus on "a young Willy Wonka and how he met the now iconic Oompa-Loompas on one of his earlier adventures." It's going to be an origin story of sorts and the studio has a list of three actors that they are looking to cast in the lead role.
According to Collider, the studio's shortlist for the new Willy Wonka includes Ezra Miller (The Flash), Ryan Gosling (Blade Runner 2049), and Donald Glover (Solo). These are all wonderfully talented actors. Ryan Gosling has been wanting to play this character and I think he'd be great in the role. But, I have to say, I'm more intrigued by how the character would be portrayed by Donald Glover. I think either one of those actors would give us something different and special. As for Ezra Miller, I like him, I can see why they would want to cast him, but in my opinion, he's the least interesting choice. But, they all have qualities that would work well for the character.
Longtime Harry Potter producer David Heyman is developing the film as well with screenwriter Simon Rich (Man Seeking Woman).
Gene Wilder will always be the definitive Willy Wonka. No one will ever be able to replace what he did with the character, but one of these three actors will be able to put their own spin on the character. The question is, what actor would you like to see in the role of a young Willy Wonka?