Come with us to a world of pure imagination.
Based on the 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory invited movie audiences into paradise, bringing the titular magical place to life, chocolate river and edible wallpaper included.
While the 1971 movie only earned $4 million by the end of its theatrical run, it went on to become a beloved classic, thanks in large part to Gene Wilder's wildly entertaining take on the eccentric Willy Wonka. Even though Wilder earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance, he wasn't Dahl's first choice to receive the golden ticket to play the chocolatier, and the author wasn't exactly impressed with his take on the character.
Now, 52 years and a 2005 film starring Johnny Depp later, Timothee Chalamet is putting his twist on Willy, with Wonka, a prequel directed by Paul King, dancing into theaters on Dec. 15.
In the original story, the reclusive Wonka allows five winners of Golden Tickets, found in his chocolate bars, to visit his whimsical factory. However, in the new film, the focus is on Willy's life before the events depicted in the book and previous movies. It also shows how he met the Oompa-Loompas, the little people he later brings to work at his factory. (They are played by Hugh Grant. Naturally.)
In honor of Wonka's premiere, we're hopping in the hard candy boat and rowing down the chocolate river to revisit the OG movie. We know the suspense is terrible, but it won't last as we're unwrapping thesed 25 secrets about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory:
Wonka is now playing in theaters.