At the CinemaCon, which is currently taking place in Las Vegas, those present will be shown new material on upcoming blockbusters literally every minute. However, one moment apparently attracted special attention: According to US media, Hugh Grant (62) also appears in a first detailed trailer for the fantasy film “Wonka”, the prequel to the classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” – in his probably to date most unusual role.
He embodies one of Willy Wonka’s (Timothée Chalamet, 27) little helpers, a so-called Oompa Loompa. The diminutive creatures with orange skin and green hair are famous for their singing and dancing routines – and according to the reports, that’s exactly what Grant demonstrates.
He is therefore initially upset about the choice of words by the main character Wonka, who describes him as a “funny little man”. Grant then snapped, “What are you thinking! I want you to know that I’m absolutely the perfect size for an Oompa Loompa.” Shortly thereafter, Grant explains about the Oompa Loompas “with a song that’s so ridiculously catchy it might never leave your mind.”
Many fans will not be able to wait for the trailer to be released to the public as well. Especially after Chalamet fueled the anticipation on the CinemaCon stage: “It’s a dream as an American actor to work with these British stars. And it was the first time people saw Hugh as Oompa Loompa, right ?”
“Wonka” will act as a prequel to the well-known story by author Roald Dahl (1916-1990), before the title character opens his world-famous chocolate factory. Other roles include Oscar winner Olivia Colman (49), Rowan “Mr. Bean” Atkinson (68) and Sally Hawkins (46). “Paddington” director Paul King (45) captured the film on screen and also wrote the screenplay together with Simon Farnaby (50). “Wonka” is scheduled to be released around Christmas this year.
