Despite there being so much in the works in the burgeoning Willy Wonka-verse, it’s been a while since there have been any updates–until now. is reporting that the spin-off film produced by David Heyman (Harry Potter, Paddington) that’s been in development since 2016 is starting to take shape. Reportedly, the project is simply titled Wonka, it’s a reboot, and Warner Bros. “hopes to begin shooting within the next four months with the goal of releasing it theatrically on March 17, 2023.”
Heyman has been working with writer Simon Rich on Wonka, which bodes well for the upcoming project. Rich is a former Saturday Night Live scribe who has collaborated with the likes of Seth Rogen (An American Pickle) and Lorne Michaels (Miracle Workers, Man Seeking Woman) on some pretty far-flung but well-rooted, grounded, relationship-based comedies. Together the pair definitely truck in a very different sort of vibe than the one director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp loaned to the divisive 2005 remake Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Paul King (Paddington) will be directing this new version.
All that’s known about Wonka is the film will likely focus on the chocolatier’s early days–it hasn’t even been revealed if Burton’s retelling of Wonka having an overzealous dentist father will be considered canon. What is clear, however, is there is a ton more Wonka on the way. Netflix has ordered not one but from Thor: Ragnarok and Jo Jo Rabbit director Taika Waititi.
There are also plans to develop other Roald Dahl properties for such as .
