With co-writer Simon Farnaby, “Wonka” director Paul King still had to find an angle on the character that would work. Because the movie was a story of the origin of Willy Wonka, he could be quite different from the character Gene Wilder portrayed, even though “Wonka” is technically a prequel to that film. For as much as the Wilder film plays up Wonka’s cruel, judgmental, (possibly) murderous side, it also delivers a heartwarming ending as Wonka grants his factory to the downtrodden Charlie (Peter Ostrum). There’s a line between sincerity and cynicism in that portrayal, and that sincerity became a keystone for King.
As King told THR, the difficulty with the character is that he’s simultaneously a business magnate while also being “the antithesis of greed and […] all about generosity.” Because of that line, “Wonka” portrays the character as a young man (Timothee Chalamet) on the come-up — one who’s capable of charming his antagonists with particularly delectable candies (not unlike Paddington Bear’s way with marmalade sandwiches).
Still, abandoning Paddington was not an easy decision for the filmmaker, especially given the success the first two movies achieved. Having spent some eight years working on “Paddington” projects, King had developed some affection for the bear. As he told THR, “The design and the love that went into every single follicle was labor intensive and done with such heart.”
If King wasn’t ready to leave the character behind with his note-perfect second outing, when could he? Ultimately, leaving Paddington behind was, King said, like “sending your kid off to school.” Bittersweet in some ways, but knowing you did the best job possible.
