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Wonka trailer: Hugh Grant Joins New Prequel's Cast As Oompa Loompa Transformation Revealed

Wednesday, 12 July 2023 16:54

By (C) Sky News: Chris Lockyer, news reporter

Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa in Wonka. Pic: Warner Bros

Hugh Grant has been transformed into an Oompa Loompa for the upcoming Wonka film, the new trailer has revealed.

The British actor appeared towards the end of the newly released footage from the highly anticipated movie, adorned with the iconic green hair and orange face of the characters.

He stars opposite Timothee Chalamet in the upcoming movie, who plays the famous Roald Dahl character Willy Wonka before he opened his chocolate factory.

In the trailer, which was released before a possible actors strike this week, Wonka meets Grant's Oompa Loompa who is trapped in a glass jar and says: "So you're the funny little man who's been following me?"

The Oompa Loompa replies: "I will have you know that I am a perfectly respectful size for an Oompa Loompa."

He then says "allow me to refresh your memory" before playing a flute-like instrument and dancing, adding:

"I've started dancing now, and once I've started I can't stop."

Elsewhere in the whimsical trailer, we see the ensemble cast of actors, which includes the likes of Fantasy Football host Matt Lucas, Horrible Histories actor Matthew Baynton and Peep Show star Paterson Joseph, as well as Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins and Keegan-Michael Key.

Chalamet will give an insight into Wonka's early life in the film, who in the trailer is described as "something of a magician, inventor and chocolate maker".

The clip reveals the young chocolatier comes up against a confectionery cabal in the film, and teams up with a young girl.

Elsewhere in the trailer, we see him surrounded by large crowds and dancing with umbrellas bearing his name.

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET as Willy Wonka in Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “WONKA,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Pic: Warner Bros Pictures

Image:Timothee Chalamet plays Willy Wonka in the latest film. Pic: Warner Bros Pictures

The original Roald Dahl story follows Charlie Bucket and his grandfather after they find a golden ticket in a Wonka bar, entitling them to a tour of Willy Wonka's accident-prone factory, where they meet a unique collection of children, as well as the famed Oompa Loompas.

The first film adaptation was released in 1971 starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, with Johnny Depp rebooting the role in Tim Burton's 2005 adaptation.

The newest film is due to come out in December, but with an actors' strike potentially around the corner, that date could be moved.

A strike could mean junket interviews, filming, production and premieres could be held until new terms around pay and conditions are agreed for actors, who have shared concerns about the dominance of streaming.

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