Though they may look like simple kids' movies, the Paddington films that have been coming out have actually been well-received by critics, and it looks like the director Paul King is now in line to direct a Willy Wonka origin movie based on the character from Roald Dahl's beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, King will be working on a script provided by Simon Rich and will be bringing along his producer for Paddington, David Heyman. Unlike the last two Chocolate Factory movies that were adaptations of the book, this one looks to be an origin movie that will tell Wonka's story and how he came to have his magical chocolate factory.
The 1971 Gene Wilder movie is considered a classic, but everyone also remembers Johnny Depp's version of the character in Tim Burton's 2005 adaptation. I personally don't see the point of showing us Wonka's origin, but Warner Bros must think the script is pretty good to decide to move forward with this project.
Interestingly enough, another Dahl book, The Witches, is also being eyed by the studio, and The Shape of Water's Guillermo del Toro is heavily attached to the film. After his success from last year, I bet every studio would want a piece of what del Toro has to offer audiences.
No release date has been set for the Willy Wonka movie.
See Also: John Stamos Will Play Willy Wonka Onstage; Stranger Things Star To Play Charlie Bucket
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