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.
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.
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" 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.
"There's a lot of clues that Roald Dahl left as to what Willy did before 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' so we felt confident if we just picked up on those clues, we could make something that Roald Dahl would be proud of," added Simon Farnaby, who co-wrote the screenplay with King.
"Wonka" is out globally in December.
Reuters
Wed Nov 29 2023
Cast member Timothee Chalamet attends the world premiere of "Wonka", at Royal Festival Hall, in London, Britain, November 28, 2023. - REUTERS
MITI rangka strategi pelbagaikan perdagangan, tumpu negara bukan tradisi - Tengku Zafrul
Dengan cabaran geopolitik yang mengurangkan jumlah perdagangan global, kementerian itu kini memfokuskan kepada negara di rantau Afrika, Amerika Selatan dan Asia Tengah.
Tindakan tegas dikenakan jika Johor alami gangguan bekalan air - MB
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi berkata isu tersebut masih lagi kerap berlaku di beberapa kawasan, termasuk ketika sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri lepas.
Fokus Minggu Depan: Apa yang boleh hentikan genosid di Gaza?
Apa yang boleh hentikan genosid di Gaza?
Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MyCare
Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MyCare
Sekurang-kurangnya 20 rakyat Palestin terbunuh dalam serangan Sabtu malam
Sekurang-kurangnya 20 orang awam terbunuh dan beberapa yang lain cedera pada Sabtu malam dalam serangan udara ganas Israel yang menyasarkan sebuah kompleks kediaman di utara kem pelarian Nuseirat, di tengah Semenanjung Gaza.
Semua berada di belakang Selangor FC - Nidzam
Pengendali Selangor FC, Nidzam Jamil percaya sokongan tidak berbelah bahagi diterima skuad Gergasi Merah itu selepas kejadian menyedihkan menimpa Faisal Halim yang menjadi mangsa simbahan asid pada 5 Mei lalu.
Yaya Empire beri inspirasi, jayakan malam seni HBN 2024 Kelantan
Sambutan Hari Belia Negara 2024 peringkat negeri Kelantan menutup tirai dengan malam seni yang penuh gilang gemilang.
Kerajaan kecam pihak ugut bunuh, hantar peluru kepada Teresa Kok
Menteri Komunikasi dan Digital, Fahmi Fadzil meluahkan rasa kesal terhadap tindakan pihak yang menghantar kertas ugutan bunuh bersama dua peluru kepada Ahli Parlimen Seputeh, Teresa Kok.
Teresa Kok terima kertas ugutan bunuh berserta peluru
Ahli Parlimen Seputeh, Teresa Kok menerima kertas ugutan bunuh bersaiz A4 bersama dua peluru yang diletakkan dalam peti surat di kediamannya.
Zii Jia juara Terbuka Thailand 2024
IMPIAN pemain perseorangan lelaki profesional negara, Lee Zii Jia untuk merangkul gelaran pertama tahun ini tercapai setelah dinobatkan sebagai juara Terbuka Thailand 2024 di Bangkok sebentar tadi.
Lelaki ceroboh, serang anggota di Balai Polis Dato' Keramat cuba rampas submesingan
Cubaan seorang lelaki merampas senjata submesingan jenis HK MP5 milik seorang anggota polis di Balai Dato' Keramat di sini, gagal selepas dia berjaya ditangkap pada pagi Ahad.
Dune: Part Two sajian epik penuh estetika
Dune: Part Two meneruskan kisah epik Paul Atreides yang bertukar daripada seorang bangsawan menjadi pemberontak sekali gus pejuang.
Timothee Chalamet teraju utama 'Wonka'
Filem tersebut diarahkan oleh Paul King dan diinspirasikan oleh buku yang dikarang oleh Roald Dahl.