The wait for the newest festive blockbuster film that was partially filmed in West Dorset is almost over, as stars of Wonka took to the red carpet this week for the premiere.
Timothée Chalamet stars as a young Willy Wonka in the movie that takes on a brand-new adaptation, based on the characters created by children’s author Roald Dahl in the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The red-carpet event took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall in the evening of Tuesday, November 28.
The prequel, directed by Paul King who worked on the Paddington movies and produced by David Heyman who worked on Harry Potter and Barbie, will focus on Willy Wonka and his adventures before he opened his famous chocolate factory.
Filming in Dorset took place across two days around Lyme Regis harbour in October 2021. The Cobb was transformed into a winter wonderland to see the young Willy Wonka arrive in England.
Speaking at the event to PA news agency Chalamet, who rose to fame in 2017’s Call Me By Your Name and has since starred in 2021’s Dune, described Wonka as a Christmas movie.
“I do think this is a Christmas movie because I think it’s joyful,” he said.
On the first day of filming, Chalamet was seen in full costume as Willy Wonka walking along the Cobb carrying a cane and a suitcase.
Historic vessel Lydia Eva was transported to Lyme Regis for the filming, which saw a visual effects team from Hollywood production company Warner Bros onboard the boat.
A musical number could have been filmed on the set as Chalamet was spotted on top of a wine truck which read J.Moreau & Fils.
Little Britain and Bake-Off star Matt Lucas was also seen on set, along with Peep Show and Vigil star, Paterson Joseph.
A number of extras dressed as fishermen and locals were also on the scene, with plenty of residents around the harbour, making the Cobb a bustling hive of activity.
The role of Wonka had previously been played by Gene Wilder in 1971, before Johnny Depp played the chocolate factory owner in 2005.
Wonka is set to hit the cinemas on Friday, December 8 ahead of Christmas.
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