Before Timothée Chalamet and Johnny Depp, Marvel Star Patrick Stewart Almost Played the Iconic Willy Wonka Role
Willy Wonka, the enigmatic chocolatier from the classic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl has been played on the silver screen quite a few times. The most talented actors in Hollywood have brought the character to life. Wonka has entertained several generations. First played by Gene Wilder in 1971, the character became an iconic element in pop culture.
Timothée Chalamet will be bringing the character back in Paul King’s Wonka. But there was a time when Marvel star Patrick Stewart almost played everyone’s favorite chocolatier.
Patrick Stewart Could have been Willy Wonka
Willy Wonka’s two most notable portrayals have been in 1971 and 2005 by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp respectively. Both stars were nominated for Golden Globes for their performances. Timothée Chalamet will also be seen playing the iconic role in a few months’s time. Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka is considered the best, Depp’s, on the other hand, was quite polarizing. And Chalamet’s performance is yet to be seen.
But as the hits and misses went on in Hollywood, Sir Patrick Stewart missed a chance to play the celebrated character.
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As is the norm in Hollywood, accomplished actors get so busy with their work that they often miss out on opportunities. Similar to what happened with Patrick Stewart.
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Why did Patrick Stewart not play Willy Wonka?
Even though Depp’s portrayal of Wonka impressed fans, many will be shocked to know that he wasn’t the first choice to play the role. When director Tim Burton started developing the idea to bring a new take on the whimsical tales to life, he wasn’t set on who he wanted to play the main lead. He had worked with Depp in plenty of films before making him a natural choice for the role.
Reportedly, before casting Depp as Willy Wonka, Burton had Patrick Stewart in his mind to play the role. However something or the other reason prevented Stewart from taking on the role, and they’re most likely believed to be schedule conflicts more than anything.
Stewart’s acting prowess makes him a perfect fit for the role but as fate would have it, the role went to Johnny Depp.
America’s beloved chocolatier is returning to the big screen via Timothée Chalamet’s Wonka. The theatrical release is scheduled for December 15, 2023.
Source: IMDB
