John Stamos Will Play Willy Wonka Onstage; Stranger Things Star To Play Charlie Bucket


Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a cinematic classic, and the film is getting adapted into live concert, coming to the Hollywood Bowl. Some members of the main cast have been revealed, and John Stamos has been cast as the ever-kooky Willy Wonka.

According to Variety, Stamos will be playing Gene Wilder's version of Wonka in the play, and Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard will be playing protagonist Charlie Bucket. In what seems to be an inspired casting choice, Weird Al Yankovic will also be playing Wonka's handy workers, the Oompa Loompas.

Stamos had this to say about playing the character:

"Willy Wonka is the first movie I ever saw. The film was released at a time when you could bring your own popcorn to the movie theater. I filled a whole grocery bag full of popcorn, but never touched it because I was so fascinated with what was going on behind Willy's eyes. Gene Wilder as Willy was pure magic. Every time I watch the movie, and I've watched it more than several hundred times, I find something new. It becomes deeper, weirder, more charming and more of a mystery."

Other actors that have been cast include Richard Kind as Grandpa Joe, Ingrid Michaelson as Mrs. Bucket, and Elle King as Veruca Salt. I also find it cool that Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito is playing the Candy Man.

The live concert takes place on Nov. 3 and 4, and tickets go on sale this coming Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

See Also: Live-Action Aladdin Casts Tony Nominee Billy Magnussen In Original Role

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