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Article  •  10 December 2023

 

Get ready to meet a whole new side of Willy Wonka

Everything you need to know about the new Willy Wonka movie and book.

In case you missed it, the new Willy Wonka movie starring Timothée Chalamet, Wonka, premiered in London earlier this week.

The movie tells a whimsical backstory about the life of Willy Wonka. Coming out just in time for Christmas, the film will impress fans of Roald Dahl's classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory while introducing new fans to the magical world of all things Wonka.  

The new Willy Wonka Movie

The new Willy Wonka movie, aptly titled Wonka, premieres in New Zealand on 14 December, just in time for the holiday season.

The details: 

  • Rating: PG
  • Cast:
    • Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka
    • Olivia Colman as Mrs Scrubbit
    • Hugh Grant as Lofty
    • Paterson Joseph as Slugworth
    • Sally Hawkins as Willy’s Mother
    • Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius
  • Run time: 1 hour, 52 minutes
  • Written by: Simon Farnaby and Paul King

The WONKA book

WONKA book cover.

WONKA by Sibéal Pounder, Roald Dahl, Paul King and Simon Farnaby

In line with the movie, there will also be a tie-in novel. Alongside the film’s creators, Paul King and Simon Farnaby, the book was written by children’s author Sibéal Pounder. Coming out just a few days before the movie lands in theatres, readers will get early insight into the story before watching it on the big screen.

Set in the world of Roald Dahl, the full-length novel tells where Wonka began. Exploring the origin story of the great inventor, magician and chocolate maker, the book traces Willy Wonka’s life and career – explaining how he changed the world one delectable bite at a time.

Watch the trailer

Feature Title

Wonka

The story of where Wonka began - the incredible new full-length novel set in the world of Roald Dahl, based on the upcoming December 2023 film.

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