Keegan-Michael Key Joins Warner Bros.’ Willy Wonka Prequel

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Keegan-Michael Key Joins Warner Bros.’ Willy Wonka Prequel

According to Deadline, Emmy-wining comedic actor Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele) has officially been cast to join Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet in Warner Bros. Pictures’ forthcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel titled Wonka. He is the second cast member that has been announced for the project. However, further details about his character are still being kept under wraps

This project would mark the first time that the Oscar-nominated actor will be able to sing and dance on-screen due to the musical numbers expected to be featured in the prequel. Meanwhile, Key is also no stranger to the musical genre as he previously appeared in last year’s The Prom, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, and Apple TV+’s comedy series Schmigadoon!

Based on the character created by Roald Dahl, Wonka will focus on a young Willy Wonka and his adventures prior to opening the world’s most famous chocolate factory. This also marks the first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adaptation which will not feature Charlie Bucket, which was previously portrayed by Freddie Highmore.

The project has been in development since 2016, with Paddington‘s Paul King attached to direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby, based on the script by Simon Rich, Simon Stephenson, Jeff Nathanson, and Steven Levenson. Producers are Luke Kelly, and David Heyman through his Heyday Films, with Michael Siegel serving as a producer.

Wonka is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 17, 2023.