Exclusive: Natasha Rothwell, Calah Lane, and director Paul King talk Wonka
Hitting theaters on Dec. 15 from Warner Bros. is Wonka, a musical re-imagining of the classic Willy Wonka story, Directed by Paul King, the film stars Timothée Chalamet in the title role with Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Natasha Rothwell, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, and Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa.
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl's most iconic children's book & one of the best-selling children's books of all time, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world's greatest inventor, and magician, and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you're lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Rothwell, who plays Piper Benz, is best known for her work on HBO’s Insecure, where she served as a writer, series regular (as Kelli), and supervising producer. She also played Belinda in the first season of HBO’s White Lotus, where her performance netted her an Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Other film roles include Like a Boss, the Sonic the Hedgehog films and the Disney animated film Wish.
Playing the role of Noodles in Wonka is Calah Lane. She previously role of Rosa in Christopher Morris’ comedy crime film The Day Shall Come starring Andrel McPherson, Miles Robbins, Marchánt Davis, Anna Kendrick, and more. She also played the young Laurel in the NBC drama series This Is Us.
Writer and director of the Paddington films, and director of Bunny and the Bull, "Come Fly with Me", "Space Force", and also The Pajama Men: Last Stand to Reason previously, King co-wrote the Wonka screenplay with Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) & Paul King. The film is based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl. It's produced by David Heyman, Alexandra Derbyshire, and Luke Kelly.
Blackfilmandtv.com's Wilson Morales talks to Calah Lane, Natasha Rothwell and director Paul King talk Wonka and Timothée Chalamet