New Willy Wonka Movie: Here's Who May Play The Title Role

A new Willy Wonka movie is on the way, and now we've learned more about who might play the title character. According to Collider, the shortlist includes Ryan Gosling, Ezra Miller, and Donald Glover. Glover is reportedly "actively chasing" the role. However, there is no word on what other actors might be in contention for the role, nor do we know if any actual negotiations have taken place just yet. Collider's Jeff Sneider noted that Warner Bros. was only in the beginning of putting together the shortlist of names, so there could be more actors in the running for the big-time role.

Gene Wilder played Wonka in 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, while Johnny Depp portrayed the eccentric candy-maker in the 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is an iconic role that has been played before with elements of eccentricity, charm, and humor. It remains to be seen what the next evolution of the character might look like, however.

Paul King (Paddington) is directing the new Willy Wonka movie for Warner Bros. Harry Potter veteran David Heyman is producing, while Simon Rich (Inside Out) is writing the script. According to a 2016 report, the movie is not exactly an origin story but will instead focus on Wonka's "early adventures." As you may recall, the 2005 film from Tim Burton included flashbacks that very briefly explored why Wonka loves candy so much and how he came to meet the Oompa Loompas.

Who would you like to see play Willy Wonka in the new movie? Let us know in the comments below!