Who Should Be Willy Wonka?

[Sideshow Man]

I just read Joblo's post about Chris Walken playing Willy Wonka and I'm not too excited. Tim Burton is the absolute perfect director, but Walken doesn't seem right to me. I think that instead Wonka would be perfectly portrayed by

Alan Cumming

http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/29/26/12m.jpg

That song he sang in Spy Kids seals the deal. He is the new Wonka. He has just the right mix of quirky-creepy about him and he can sing and dance! He has numerous Broadway credits and accolades to his name. Finally, he has Gene Wilder's goofy smirk. I can't see any better choice.

What do you guys think?

[Nachokoolaid]

Alan Cumming is a really good choice. I was actually thinking about him being in the role before you posted. But I think I like Walken. I think he could be really great in the role. I think Robin Williams would be a trip too.

[MarkItZero]

I hadnt heard the Walken news, but I think he could be interesting in the role.

The last I heard (I believe from DarkHorizons) was that Micheal Keaton was being considered. But I wasnt sure he would work.

[Dead Halloween]

Marilyn Manson!:D
http://www.ezthemes.com/previews/m/marilyn_manson_m.jpg

[BorderEevilIII]

before this gets bumped to Upcoming Movie Talk, theres already an existing thread there that I revived....

http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53547&perpage=40&pagenumber=1

[Bullet Tooth Tony]

Alan Cummings would be great.

Also Nicholas Cage and Chris Walken. I'm a big fan of Jim Carrey so I'll mention him.

[BadCoverVersion]

Gary Oldman OR an "unknown", possibly Paddy Considine.

[Pootie]

John C. Riley would be amazing I think.

[El Bracamonti]

alan cumming

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Pootie
John C. Riley would be amazing I think.

Don't break my heart sweetheart.

:(

[paul calf]

alan cumming is an excellent choice i thought he was superb in spy kids another from those movies.
but after seeing him in mr deeds what about john tutturo he was excellent in that,and that sort of role could be the thing to get him A listed where he deserves.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by paul calf
but after seeing him in mr deeds what about john tutturo he was excellent in that,and that sort of role could be the thing to get him A listed where he deserves.

Jackpot!

Turturro would be bloody awesome.

[rushmore beauty]

I personally think that of the people being tossed around, Christopher Walken would just be so amazing. But I think Jude Law would make a kick-ass Wonka.

[Bronco]

I don't think there should be a remake at all. I haven't seen Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in years, but I remember not liking it. Why does it need to be remade? We all know how critically trashed Gus Van Sant's Psycho was...

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by Bronco
I don't think there should be a remake at all. I haven't seen Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in years, but I remember not liking it. Why does it need to be remade? We all know how critically trashed Gus Van Sant's Psycho was...

Ok...it was a movie adapted from a book and as much as I enjoyed it Roald Dahl (the author) himself didn't. Roald Dahl's estate have pondered for some time the matter of what director would be sufficiantly well versed in the sort of stylings that could make for an interesting and perhaps more faithful adaptation (having not read the book...shame on me...I don't know if the earlier version was faithful). So...it's not a remake of the movie. It's another adaptation of the book.

[Bronco]

No, it's a remake. A more faithful-to-the-source remake, but still a remake.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by rushmore beauty
But I think Jude Law would make a kick-ass Wonka.

Funny, I've said that myself and raised a few eyebrows.

Something tells me Jude would do a sterling job though.

[dh1989]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Events/0315-pla/huttonti.mot

- Timothy Hutton

***

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Events/0719-sle/depp_joh.nny

- Johnny Depp

***

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0325537/DF-1828R.jpg

- Dylan Baker

***

http://www.johnhannah.net/index0.jpg

- John Hannah

[notchreturns]

I'd like to see Oldman in the role. Talented bastard has done everything else, might as well give it a go as Willa Wonka.

Or, I can totally see Kevin Spacey doing this... with the whole signing and dancing-vibe, plus he's gotta that charisma and dry humor down pat! Yep... Spacey it is.

[MarkItZero]

Ok, from the nominees so far, I think my favorite are Spacey, Walken, Depp.. in that order.

[fatdave]

I nominate Gene Wilder!!

[mrdeeds]

Originally posted by fatdave
I nominate Gene Wilder!!

I second that nomination. :D

Really though, I have no problem with Walken. I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Jim Carrey or Robin Williams though as they are excellent choices IMO

[dannywalker17]

I have thought Alan Cumming would be good ever since seeing Spy Kids. The thing is though, isn't Burton planning on not making it a musical? I thought I heard that. Anyway regarding why it should be made. As much as the original was a pretty good movie, it was a far cry from being faithful to the book. Many things are different. This would just be a chance to do a new adaptation of it and be more faithful. Hopefully Burton will leave out the bizare "there's no telling where we're going..." scene with the scary stuff. That totally came out of nowhere and is not in the book. I think if not Cumming, Walken could pull it off well. But another question is who should play all the kids, especially Charlie?

[Nachokoolaid]

Originally posted by mrdeeds
I second that nomination. :D

Really though, I have no problem with Walken. I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Jim Carrey or Robin Williams though as they are excellent choices IMO

I did mention both of them already, but it was on the other Willy Wonka thread, (considering there are like 5 of them right now). I like Carrey and Williams, but I'd like to see Walken give it a go.

[therealjohng]

I personally would like to see Adrien Brody as the man himself. He has a really different kind of face that would go great with that hat and suit.

[Brock-Landers]

Jim Carrey or Christopher Walken!

[cbns]

Whomever said John C. Reiley needs to be given some credit. I think he'd rule as Willy Wonka...not too old, not to young...can pull off a weird evil/good character (well I think he could).

Anyways, just my two cents.

[James Logan]

Here's my votes:

1. Christopher Walken
2. Michael Keaton
3. Alan Cumming
4. Johnny Depp
5. Sam Rockwell

[echo_bravo]

Jackass' Wee Man would be perfect as a Umpa Lumpa!

Haley Joel Osmend as Charlie?

Ditto on Christopher Walken or Depp!

[Squid Vicious]

Just some thoughts:

- Christopher Walken may be a little too....humorless for the role.

- If he doesn't go too over the top, Robin Williams would be great as Wonka.

- Since Tim Burton's directing it, why not Johnny Depp?

- Sam Rockwell and John Turturro could both pull it off. They're both really underrated actors and they don't get enough work.

[SykkBoy]

Sam Rockwell
that man WAS Chuck Berris and should be Mr. Wonka

[Grim H.]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Gary Oldman OR an "unknown", possibly Paddy Considine.

Yeah, Gary Oldman would be great!

[FilmBuff84]

With Tim Burton behind the camera, this will be awesome and I'm sure whoever he chooses will end up playing the part well, but I'd like a little mention. Anyobdy think Crispin Glover would make an olay Wonka?

[Sparrow]

My vote goes for Alan Cumming or Kevin Spacey.

[Droog989]

Originally posted by FilmBuff84
With Tim Burton behind the camera, this will be awesome and I'm sure whoever he chooses will end up playing the part well, but I'd like a little mention. Anyobdy think Crispin Glover would make an olay Wonka?

Beat me too it, but I heard someone else mention (elsewhere) that he would make a good Wonka. I have to agree. Or they could cast Fozzy Bear and change the title

Wokka wokka wokka :D

God my job is boring..,..

[Sideshow Man]

Originally posted by dannywalker17
The thing is though, isn't Burton planning on not making it a musical?

That would be a damn shame. This movie begs to be a musical. I would be very unhappy if they made this a straight movie as opposed to a musical. Hell, we know that Danny Elfman writes killer tunes (Nightmare Before Christmas)!

On another note I still think Alan Cumming is the best number one choice however, an interesting choice would be Jude Law. I think he could do wonders with the role. Look at A.I. Gigolo Joe already showcases Wonka-esque qualities. Finally -

Chris Walken - I just couldn't hear his voice saying Wilder's lines, I really couldn't. He's a little too creepy for my tastes as Wonka.

Jim Carrey and Robin Williams - Neither have amazing voices (provided it's a musical), although Williams was great in Aladdin and Carrey showed some Vocal talent in Man on the Moon. Also, both have a tendency to go over-the-top. I'm just not feeling either of them.

Generally, Gene Wilder was a subdued actor, which made his outbursts that much more potent. You need to grab someone with that same eye for when to go over the top.

I stick with Alan Cumming, followed by Jude Law.

Keep in mind, Wilder was a goofy looking man. Only a relatively goofy looking guy could reprise this role.

Wilder is the consummate Willy Wonka and no one will ever top him. He should have a cameo.

Sorry, I rambled. I'm done now.

[echo_bravo]

Jude Law would be awesome!

[JurassicShark]

o

[JurassicShark]

o

[kidkre0le]

Originally posted by Dead Halloween
Marilyn Manson!:D
http://www.ezthemes.com/previews/m/marilyn_manson_m.jpg

[chasingbanky]

Whoever said Johnny Depp must be a damn genuis I never would've thought of him but now that i have it seems so right...He could totally pull it off and it would be amazing....But If not Johnny D then my favorite actor of all time CHRISTOPHER WALKEN......I'd also like to nominate wesley snipes

[Dark_One79]

Robin Williams... hands down. The man needs this movie to re-establish himself as the icon he deserves to be. Williams can play it low-key when necessary, and has the timing to deliver the lines with the satirical bite they deserve.

Let us not forget that the actor chosen to play this role should be a bit older as Wonka is choosing his eventual replacement at the factory. Choosing an actor in his 30's or early 40's wouldn't really look the part.

Mork is the right choice. He has the ability to capture that look of innocence and wonder, all while giving a sly wink to the camera to let you know that he still has some unclean thoughts rolling around in there.

Or we could just bring back Wilder... who was the f'in king.

[bondish]

Christopher Walken...

[bob]

I'll go with the consensus and say Christopher Walken or Johnny Depp would be awesome.

[ColinM]

Excellent call, dh1989, with Johnny Depp. That's the guy I'd like to see in this role. I could see Gary Oldman or Dylan Baker doing a good job as well. Alan Cumming seems like a too obvious choice for me; he'd probably just be the same as Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka. I want to see a different take on it. And if Tim Burton is making it, why wouldn't he cast Depp? He should!

[g05]

they should leave this movie alone. the original was good enough for me. i don't think anyone can top Gene Wilder's perfomance... except maybe Jet Li! he could show those Oompa Loompas a thing or two.

[DevilMonkey]

I dunno, I think they should leave this classic alone, but for wonka Cummings is a preety good choice I wouldn't mind anyone and the oompa loompas need to be orange not like the oompa loompa in the book who sing anoying songs and look like fairys.

[dammit_janet]

Johnny Depp is a great choice. I have a newfound respect for him since seeing Pirates of the Caribbean. He was a force of nature in that movie.

I hear that CHristopher Walken is likely to play that part, which could be very cool. I *heart* Christopher Walken. Can you imagine the tap dancing scenes that woudl ensue? I'm already psyched to see him in Envy, it'd be great to have another one to look forward to.

[echo_bravo]

JUDE LAW!

Give this man the part Tim! Seriouslu though, I think he could play the part of Wonka beatifully. He has that charm and not to mention he seems to have great chemistry with kids as shown in AI. But also he can be rather a dick as shown in The Talented Mr Ripley.
I think he could play the odd ball perfectly. I would really like to see him get at least a shot at it. Maybe have some screening tests for Johnny Depp, Christopher Walken and Jude Law...hell, even throw Manson in there just for shits and giggles THEN Tim Burton can decide which Wonka he wants.

[ColinM]

I would hate seeing Christopher Walken in that part. I think he's great, but the part is all wrong for him and I fear he'd embarrass himself.

Unless, of course, they made a horror version of Willy Wonka, which is what they should be doing rather than what they are. Then I could totally see Walken as Wonka. :)

[Buc_Nonsense]

I think Walken is a good choice for ol Willy. I want to know who is playin Charlie. It better not be Haley Joel Osment. Damn i hate that kid!

[Royale With Cheese]

Seeing Chris Walken as Wonka would be nice, seeing as how I'm a huge fan. But I think Walken would be even better as Slugworth. I could just picture him creepin around the shadows, stalking the kids.

I think that Gene Wilder is still Wonka worthy if he's able. Another choice could be Martin Short.

Or just go with a CGI Wonka. That would be badass....

[Sideshow Man]

oooh... Martin Short is a good call. He's done braodway before. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he starred in the Goodbye Girl opposite the fantastic Bernadette Peters. He's got a great singing voice.

Good call.

[arby19]

Alan Cumming would be a great choice!

[Arathon]

Alan Cumming and Robin Williams are my pics! Either one would be perfect!