RIOTUS

Have I ever told you about the fan theory linking Willy Wonka to Doctor Who? If not, I’m going to tell you about it now. If so, I’m going to tell you about it again. Now is good timing. Doctor Who is celebrating its 60th Anniversary. In a riotous global party that will culminate in the 15th reincarnation of the Doctor. The youngest one yet. At the same time, Warner Brothers Pictures is setting up for a candy-coated family feast in a new iteration of our beloved chocolate factory. Timothée Chalamet will be the youngest Wonka yet. But like the Doctor, he is connected to a favorite prior incarnation. I’m talking about the cynical yet wondrous version played in 1971 by Gene Wilder. The debuts of these fantastical gentlemen presents another tie-in. The children’s book where we first met Willy Wonka, c, came out in 1964. While Doctor Who premiered in late 1963.

Back to the fan theory, I don’t know who to credit for this, but my sonic screwdriver salutes them. Basically, they posit that Willy Wonka is a reincarnation of The Doctor, who decided to hang out in London for a few decades. At some point, he misses time-traveling and decides to search for a new companion to see the universe with. That companion is Charlie Bucket. Thus, the Doctor, Charlie, and Grandpa load themselves into the Great Glass Elevator—the Tardis in disguise—and set out to foil the plans and schemes of Daleks, Metal Men, and various individuals calling themselves The Master. 

Do you love it? Now, look at David Tennent’s Doctor, then quickly swing your attention to Timothée Chalamet as Wonka. Do you love it even more? ‘Course you do, that’s why you’re here with me.

I watched Wonka on Thanksgiving day because (considering the alignments between Doctor Who and Willy Wonka) it felt like perfect timing. I knew I’d see a prequel story. One set in the days before the chocolate factory, featuring Willy’s first companion. A charming orphan with a halo of riotous curls named Annie– No, it’s Bill– Nope. Which universe are we in again? Ah yes, a charming orphan girl called Noodle (Calah Lane). Glad we got that sorted. But no matter how you flip it, Willy and Noodle lead hard-knock lives that hit harder because of Mrs. Scubbit (Olivia Colman), who runs a hidden sweatshop that might not be “the trap” but is definitely a trap. Dreadful woman.

You see, Willy and Noodle share their orphan experience. But while Willy is inspired by his passion for chocolate and his freedom to roam the world, Noodle is locked up in the sweatshop with only a signet ring to point to her past. Backstories are told. Villains arise. A trio of bad guys we already know, the infamous Slugworth (Paterson Joseph)*, Prodnose (Matt Lucas), and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton). And as the result of their rampant villainy, friendships are forged when a motley crew forms around Willy and Noodle. An odd Oompa-Loompa, played by a winking Hugh Grant with the sartorial sensibility of a steam-punk playboy, complicates things. And songs are sung.

*sidenote: For years I’ve dreamed of Paterson Joseph as Doctor Who, perhaps he’ll be connected to Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor instead.

The production design (Nathan Crowley), cinematography (Chung-hoon Chung), music (Joby Talbot), costuming (Lindy Hemming), hair, and make-up conspire to create a wondrous whimsy. Hold for applause.

I expected all of the above, but I didn’t pay enough attention going in. If I had, I’d have known the team behind Paddinging 2—writer-director Paul King and co-writer Simon Farnaby—made Wonka too. PADDINGTON 2 IS ONE OF THE GREATEST FAMILY ADVENTURES OF ALL TIME. Argue this fact, and we’ve got a vat of marmalade waiting for ya’. Either way, Wonka is a delight. The filmmakers have mapped the mercurial streets of a London found only in the imaginations of famous authors and their readers. You’ll recognize the influences and revel in the ‘sensawunda’ of this new adventure. This is an ‘Oliver’ twist on Willy Wonka. Don’t be surprised if Warner Bros gives us “some more” in the form of a franchise. Actually, we’ll be waiting.

See Wonka (Dec 15) with the people in your universe who believe in wonderful things and aren’t afraid to sing along.