LONDON: Timothee Chalamet took lessons from a top vocal coach as he prepared to follow in the footsteps of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp to play Willy Wonka in a new movie that tells the origin story of Roald Dahl’s famed character.
Wonka star Timothée Chalamet has been praised for his “pitch-perfect” performance as the fictional chocolatier in first reactions to the movie flood in.
In “Wonka”, a musical film, the “Dune” and “Call Me by Your Name” actor plays a younger version of the chocolate-loving inventor.
“(It was) daunting because the character’s beloved, people are very protective over characters they love and sceptical about Hollywood remakes. But I think we did a great job. I’m very happy with the film,” Chalamet told Reuters at the “Wonka” world premiere at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday.
If I’m being honest: I wasn’t expecting much when I walked into #Wonka.
But I fell in love with a charming, heartfelt and pretty spectacular musical that is a loving tribute to everything we love about the ‘71 original.
Chalamet is unbelievably fun and charismatic as Wonka. pic.twitter.com/Ywuej5Wg5Y
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) November 29, 2023
The 27-year-old said he worked with Eric Vetro, the vocal coach to singers including Ariana Grande, John Legend and Katy Perry.
“A lot of training, a lot of vocal lessons with Eric Vetro in LA, a lot of work,” he said of his preparation for the film’s musical numbers.
#Wonka cements Timothee Chalamet as one of the greatest up and coming actors. He’s magnetic, delightful & beautifully walks the line between naivete & cleverness. The film is filled with charm, joy & hope. It’s a perfect holiday film. It definitely has the rewatchability factor???? pic.twitter.com/lldKjVOphm
— Rosa Parra (@rosasreviews) November 28, 2023
“Wonka” sees the top hat and long jacket wearing character land in a fictional city after several years at sea. The town is home to the world’s top chocolatiers and Wonka, too, hopes to open his own shop. As he chases his dream and goes against a powerful chocolate cartel, he befriends a young orphan girl and a curious small creature with orange skin and green hair – an Oompa Loompa, played by Hugh Grant.
The film is co-written and directed by “Paddington” filmmaker Paul King.
“We wanted to make a movie that would stand as a companion piece to the Gene Wilder movie, which obviously has these enduring classic songs,” said King.
