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Willy Wonka Remake Shortlist of Stars Includes Donald Glover and More

Because this influx of remaking titles is showing no sign of stopping anytime soon, Warner Bros. Pictures is reportedly moving forward with their reboot of Willy Wonka, and they've already got a shortlist of stars in mind.

The classic story of candymaker Willy Wonka by Roald Dahl has known life as two films already — one a true classic starring the late great Gene Wilder, and the other (which we try not to talk about) a Tim Burton sugar-fever dream starring Johnny Depp — so why another one?

We may never get an answer other than, well, money, but according to a report from our pals over at Collider, the short list of gentlemen to front the new flick includes some exciting options.

Donald Glover arrives to the "Solo: A Star Wars Story" World Premiere on May 10, 2018 in Hollywood, CA
Donald Glover arrives to the "Solo: A Star Wars Story" World Premiere on May 10, 2018 in Hollywood, CA.
Credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Reportedly, the first name on the list right now is Donald Glover. Arguably everyone's favorite part of Solo: A Star Wars Story, the actor-writer-singer-polymath is an interesting choice that would more than likely bring his own swagger and flair to the character.

Willy Wonka Remake Shortlist of Stars Includes Donald Glover and More
OS ANGELES, CA – November 13, 2017: Ezra Miller at the world premiere for "Justice League" at The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood
Photo by Featureflash Photo Agency

Collider also says that Ezra Miller (who played The Flash in the much-derisive Justice League film) is up there on the list, maybe trying to give the kid a better vehicle to showcase his ability. I say that, but I did actually enjoy his delivery of Barry Allen's quips during JL.

Willy Wonka Remake Shortlist of Stars Includes Donald Glover and More
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 11, 2016: Ryan Gosling at the 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport.
Photo by Featureflash Photo Agency

The final name at this time is a little strange, but makes sense I think because of his age compared to the other two: Ryan Gosling. With a long partnership with the studio already on the books, this choice makes the most sense at this point, even though I would be totally interested in seeing what Glover would do.

Paddington director Paul King is already on board to direct, with Harry Potter producer David Heyman and screenwriter Simon Rich (Man Seeking Woman) attached as well. This reboot is rumored to be a prequel of sorts that may dive into the origin of Mr. Wonka.

I'm from the school of thought that yes, even though we maybe don't want a remake of something, all we can do once the wheels are in motion is add the best possible people for an enjoyable take.


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Mary Anne ButlerAbout Mary Anne Butler

Bleeding Cool News Editor Mary Anne Butler (Mab, for short) has been part of the fast-paced world of journalism since she was 15, getting her start in album reviews and live concert coverage for a nationally published (print) music magazine. She eventually transitioned to online media, writing for such sites as UGO/IGN, ComicsOnline, Geek Magazine, Ace of Geeks, Aggressive Comix (where she is still Editor-in-Chief), and most recently Bleeding Cool. 

Over the past 10 years, she’s built a presence at conventions across the globe as a cosplayer (occasionally), photographer (constantly), panelist and moderator (mostly), and reporter (always). 

 Interviews, reviews, observations, breaking news, and objective reporting are the name of the game for the founder of Harkonnen Knife Fight, a Dune-themed band with an international presence. 

 Though she be but little, she is fierce. #MabTheProfessional
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