News

Willy Wonk & the Chocolate Factorywill always be an in-demand classic, and it recently topped Tubi's streaming chart. In February, it was revealed that the streaming service. It officially joined the free streaming site early in March and instantly rose to the top of its chart. On March 17, 2025, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory claimed the No. 1 spot in the United States and held its place until March 21, when it fell just slightly to No. 2. It's currently still in the top 10, bringing a feeling of much-needed nostalgia for free to fans of the best Roald Dahl adaptation. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is based on Dahl's 1964 novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." The story was inspired by his early childhood experience with chocolate companies.

Starring Gene Wilder, the film was released on June 6, 1971, by Paramount Pictures. The plot follows Willy Wonka, the ultimate candy man, who prompts a worldwide frenzy...

When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This March, Tubi is bringing you a lot of entertainment, from the brilliant comedy-drama series Loudermilk to the beloved sci-fi drama series Timeless. However, for this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Tubi in the next month and have a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the five best movies coming to Tubi in March 2025 with a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (March 1) Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92% Credit – Warner Bros.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory is a musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart from a screenplay by Roald Dahl. Based on Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the 1971 film follows Charlie, a poor young boy who gets a chance to explore a famous but mysterious chocolate factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka.

Quick Links Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Plot and Cast Why Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Is Such a Classic How Does Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Differ From the Book?

The latest interpretation of the Roald Dahl classic story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the 2023 movie Wonka starring Timothe Chalamet. There have been other iterations over the years, including the 2005 movie adaptation Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp as Wonka and Freddie Highmore as the titular child character. But arguably, none is as good as the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder.

The musical fantasy film, directed by Mel Stuart, set the standard for bringing Dahls heartwarming and morally educational story to the screen. Love it or not, the film is finally streaming for free on Tubi, so its worth checking out again or for the first time.

Willy Wonka and the...

Bad casting choices can ruin a movie's chances before it is even released, so it's worth celebrating the success stories when they come along. Some casting choices have gone down in film history as perfect. Whether casting book characters, real people, or recasting old characters, the right actor can get a movie off to a great start. It's important to consider the most important aspect of a character that an actor needs, whether that's their physical appearance, their voice or something else.

It's difficult to please everyone when casting pre-existing characters or real-life people, since fans will usually have their own opinions and ideas. This is why casting news is scrutinized long before any other information about a project becomes available. Some people can choose whether they want to watch something or not based on which actors are set to play their favorite characters. In some cases, the casting directors get things spot-on,...

'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' stars Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen have joined a new musical parody.The two actors - who played Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee respectively alongside Gene Wilder in the original 1971 movie - will take part in a live stage reading of 'Willy's Candy Spectacular', which is inspired by the disastrous 'Willy's Chocolate Experience' event in Glasgow earlier this year.The upcoming musical parody will perform live stage readings at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with the former child stars each stepping in as narrators.Cole will be part of the cast from August 9 to 18, with Themmen then stepping into the role from August 19 to 26.The musical is inspired by the real life 'Wonka' event which was originally advertised as an "immersive experience" as organisers promised a "magical realm" for visitors.Although the promotional material was full of promise thanks to AI-generated images,...

The infamous Willy Wonka experience is making its way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as a parody musical. More here.

There are few films as universally beloved as 1971’s Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (pictured). Despite author Roald Dahl reportedly hating the film, the public took it to their hearts, with classic songs like Pure Imagination entering the public consciousness.

Even though we now how three screen Wonkas – Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp and Timothee Chalamet (four if you count this) – Wilder’s Wonka is generally considered the definitive version. Tim Burton’s 2005 film, while closer in tone to the book, divided fans, not least due to Depp’s portrayal of Wonka, although it’s certainly true that Tim Burton’s visual style and updated special effects bring the chocolate factory to life in a way the 1971 film couldn’t.

Then, last year’s Wonka made people fall in love...

Because memes never truly die, the disastrous Willy Wonka exhibit that spawned such viral images as the sad Oompa Loompa and ‘The Unknown’ now has a fully produced musical parody on the way titled Willy’s Candy Spectacular. Because that alone isn’t absurd enough, original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory actors Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen have officially joined the cast.

Cole and Themmen, who respectively portrayed Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee in the 1971 classic, will serve as narrators in live stage readings of Willy’s Candy Spectacular, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The readings are set to go down at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with Cole leading the production from August 9th to August 18th and Themmen taking over from August 19th to August 26th.

Notably, Kirsty Paterson, the memed sad Oompa Loompa, is also set to appear. Other names involved include Shelly Regner (Pitch Perfect series), Eric Petersen,...

After more than 50 years, two actors are diving back into the world of Willy Wonka (sort of). Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen, two of the child stars of 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, will participate in a live stage reading of Willy’s Candy Spectacular, an upcoming musical parody inspired by a disastrous Wonka event that made international headlines earlier this year.

Cole played the insatiable Veruca Salt in the classic movie starring Gene Wilder as chocolatier Willy Wonka, while Themmen played the cowboy hat wearing Mike Teavee. Both will participate in a live reading at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, serving as narrators. Cole will lead the cast from Aug. 9 to 18, with Themmen stepping in from Aug. 19-26.

Willy’s Candy Spectacular was inspired by a real-life Wonka event in Scotland, which organizers advertised as “immersive experience” that would transport Willy Wonka fans to a “magical realm.

In the 1970s, several comedy legends rose to prominence and made their mark on the entertainment industry. Some of the most notable comedians and actors of the decade include: Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder: The duo created some of the most iconic comedies of the era, including "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein," and "High Anxiety." Both Brooks and Wilder received multiple Golden Globe nominations for their work in these films. Madeline Kahn: A talented actress known for her collaborations with Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, Kahn also starred in "What's Up Doc?" which earned her a Golden Globe nomination in 1973 for New Star Actress of the Year.

The 1970s launched the careers of some of the best comedy actors to date. Films and TV shows were changing and developing in the 1970s, and it was a groundbreaking time for the genre. Some of the best movies of all time...

Willy Wonka quotes originated in Roald Dahl's novel and are iconic, entertaining, and eccentric expressions of his character. Gene Wilder's portrayal in the 1971 film set the stage for Johnny Depp and Timothe Chalamet to later play the role in remakes and prequels. Wonka's whimsical and magical personality is a mix of eccentricity, humor, and wisdom, making for memorable and quotable moments in the films.

Willy Wonka is one of the most iconic film characters of all time, and many of the more memorable Willy Wonka quotes actually originate in Roald Dahl's original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory novel. First and most memorably seen on screen in the classic 1971 family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the unique and entertaining character was brought to life thanks to Gene Wilder's unforgettable performance. The film follows a group of children who are granted access to access a wondrous candy factory...

Some of the best movies feature the most unforgettable characters. These utterly endearing individuals immediately capture the interests of viewers, whisking them away on a fantastic journey to another world or time. This makes a character's introduction in a cinematic screenplay one of the most important scenes in a movie, as an audience's first impressions can greatly influence whether they enjoy observing the person's story.

These incredible opening sequences for their respective heroes and villains do an excellent job of establishing why they should be admired or feared. These movie personalities established a large presence from the very start, assuring audiences that they would wish to stick around for their respective features. They are a major contributor to their movies' eventual success stories, hooking viewers from the very start.

Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians) Is A Repugnant Presence

101 Dalmatians (1961) AnimationAdventure Where to Watch

*Availability in US

streamrentbuy

Not available...

Josh O'Connor wants to play a dark Willy Wonka, inspired by Gene Wilder's version, focusing on the character's anger and mysterious nature. O'Connor's take on Willy Wonka would emphasize the darker aspects of the character, offering a more intense and truthful portrayal. Despite O'Connor's potential dark take on Willy Wonka, there are other, scarier versions of the story currently in development, including a horror film immersive experience.

Josh O'Connor, who currently stars in Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, has recently stated he wants to play a dark version of Willy Wonka in the future. O'Connor currently stars alongside Zendaya and Mike Faist in Guadagnino's steamy tennis-based drama. In the film, he plays Patrick, a former tennis prodigy who comes up against his former best-friend-turned-rival and ex-girlfriend at a local tournament. Speaking to WSJ. Style to promote Challengers, O'Connor was asked about the one character he'd really like to play.

To many people's surprise,...

As fans of Mel Stuart's 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" can likely tell you, author Roald Dahl hated the film. His original 1964 novel, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," was, he felt, not a whimsical, sentimental story, but a Dickensian odyssey into a surreal landscape. Additionally, Dahl hated the casting of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, preferring British actor Spike Milligan. Too much was changed from his original text. Why adapt a book to screen, Dahl felt, if you're going to alter everything? 

Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...

Kid characters in movies can either enhance or hinder the overall story and purpose. Some child characters, like Mary Adler from Gifted and the titular protagonist from Matilda, are lovable and add depth to the film. However, there are also child characters, such as Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Rachel Ferrier from War of the Worlds, who can be annoying and negatively impact the viewer's experience.

Movies can be made or broken by their characters, and while kids in particular can be the spirit of a film, they can also completely ruin the intended purpose. Kid characters in movies have the magical ability to make a story heartwarming, but they also have the chance to become a pest that disrupts the plot for no reason. They’re not meant for every film, but adding a kid character can be a huge risk, and it’s one...

Roald Dahl's beloved novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has been re-imagined countless times over the years. The first film adaptation, titled "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," was released in 1971 and starred Gene Wilder as the eponymous chocolatier. Decades later, director Tim Burton put his own spin on the children's tale with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starring Burton's long-time friend and collaborator Johnny Depp. The movie was a critical and financial hit, but not everyone was a fan. In fact, Wilder himself spoke out against the 2005 film.

Dahl's original story was a huge inspiration to Burton, but the director was let down by the '70s cinematic interpretation. "I didn't feel as daunted by the [first] movie," he told Blackfilm.com in 2005. Instead of using the 1971 film as a point of reference, Burton instead used Dahl's source material as a "blueprint" to guide his movie. "Our goal, except...

It's hard not to love Gene Wilder. Even if you can name only a few of his films, whenever he appeared on screen, he brought a sense of joy and mischief. His sly smile and piercing blue eyes always made you think he knew something you didn't, but he was always keen to slowly let you in on the joke. Whether in his iconic performance as the titular candy maker in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" or in his later (and final) role on the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace," there was something about Wilder that brought a smile, along with a whole lot of genuine belly laughs.

While Wilder could sell any joke on the page, it was the seriousness with which he took each role that elevated the material, particularly in his multiple collaborations with Mel Brooks. One of the reasons "Young Frankenstein" has endured as one...

While there are many people who take issue with the constant stream of remakes, reboots, and reimagining of well-loved films, it seems that when it comes to the cast of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, they cannot wait for more interpretations of the off-the-wall Roald Dahl character. Speaking to People Magazine as part of the 50th anniversary of the movie, actors Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Paris Themmen and Michael Bollner, who appeared as, in order, Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Mike Teevee and Augustus Gloop in the movie, shared their opinions on the Johnny Depp remake and the newly announced Wonka prequel.

While 2005's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory received mixed reviews on its release, Ostrum, who is now 63, looks at the Johnny Depp and Tim Burton collaboration from an angle often missed by many quick to dismiss what a remake can do for an original version of a movie.

On June 30, 2021, the beloved family film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory celebrates its 50th anniversary. Peter Ostrum (“Charlie Bucket”), Paris Themmen (“Mike Teevee”), Julie Dawn Cole (“Veruca Salt”) and Michael Bollner (“Augustus Gloop”) recently sat down together to reflect on 50 years of the perennial family classic.

Originally released on June 30, 1971, directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as the legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka, this splendiferous movie brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s cherished book. Coated with flavorful tunes and production designs that are a visual treat for the eyes, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And viewers will rediscover all the timeless...

Fans are looking back at Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with fun nostalgia in honor of the iconic movie's 50th anniversary. Starring the late Gene Wilder in one of his most memorable roles, the movie is based on the Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was first seen by audiences when it premiered in theaters on June 30, 1971, now making the classic movie 50 years old.

In Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, a young boy named Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) wins a tour of Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory after finding a special Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar wrapper. Bringing along his grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson), Charlie and a group of other children from around the world make their way through the factory as Willy tries to decide which one to pass along his business to following his retirement. It's a simple story that works so well,...

Burbank, CA – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that the perennial family classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on June 29. Called a “genuine work of imagination” by Roger Ebert, the film stars Gene Wilder in one of his most famous roles.

Directed by Mel Stuart from a screenplay by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was produced by Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper. The film is an adaptation of Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as Wily Wonka, Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket, Roy Kinnear as Mr. Salt, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt, Leonard Stone as Mr. Beauregarde, Denise Nickerson as Violet Beauregarde, Dodo Denney as Mrs. Teevee, and Paris Themmen as Mike Teevee.

Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution...

Film aficionados can enjoy a yearlong journey spanning nine decades of cinema history, through a dozen of some of the movie industry's greatest titles, as Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies present the seventh annual TCM Big Screen Classics series. Featuring acclaimed films released from 1941 to 1996, and encompassing legendary dramas, iconic musicals, beloved comedies, a thrilling adventure, a stylish film noir, a stirring epic, a crackling mystery, and a suspenseful horror, the TCM Big Screen Classics series has something for everyone in 2021.

Each film is presented with pristine digital projection, movie-theater-quality sound, and in its original aspect ratio, as they were intended by the filmmakers. The TCM Big Screen Classics series is further enhanced with fascinating pre- and post-feature insights presented by popular TCM hosts, including TCM Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz.

2021 TCM Big Screen Classics series movies include:

• La Bamba

• Fried Green Tomatoes 30th Anniversary

• The Birdcage 25th Anniversary

• The African Queen...

Prop Store, one of the world's leading film and TV memorabilia companies has today announced it is to hold the UK's largest annual live auction of film and TV memorabilia for the sixth consecutive year this September, with the items on offer expected to fetch in excess of &#1636 million ($7.5 million). The auction is to be held at London's BFI IMAX proudly presented by Odeon, Europe's largest cinema group.

900 rare and iconic lots will be sold during Prop Store's unique Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction over two days on Monday 30th September and Tuesday 1st October 2019 in Waterloo, London. The auction will be live-streamed online for fans to track the bidding on auction days. A free preview exhibition will be open to the public in the run up to the auction, opening on Wednesday 18th September - Tuesday 1st October 2019 at the BFI IMAX and showcasing over 250 lots from the upcoming auction.

Actress Denise Nickerson, best known for playing the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died. She was 62.

Nickerson’s family announced her death in a Facebook post late Wednesday night. “She’s gone,” Nickerson’s son Josh and his wife Jasmine said.

On Wednesday morning, Nickerson’s family shared that the actress had been taken off of life support. “They just took off all the equipment. None of it was helping, but making her only more uncomfortable. We’re telling her it’s okay to let go,” the couple wrote on the page they created...

Paris Themmen has fulfilled his Willy Wonka character’s obsession with getting on television.

The former actor, 58, who played young TV and cowboy-enthusiast Mike Teevee in the classic 1971 film, kept his Hollywood past a secret when he appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy!

During the portion of the show when host Alex Trebek asks contestants about their personal lives, Themmen was introduced as an “entrepreneur” and “avid backpacker.” While he revealed that he’s traveled to 61 countries, he did not mention his role in the movie.

Jeopardy!" /> Willy Wonka." />

But it didn’t take long for sharp-eyed viewers to...

The classic film Willy Wonka starring Gene Wilder has had a sweet spot in our hearts for generations. Starting out as a children’s book to hitting the big screen for the first time in 1971 before Tim Burton delivered his take on the popular story in 2005, the story is now making its way to Hollywood in a unique way. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory will be in concert at the world famous Hollywood Bowl in a “Live to Film” celebration and lead by an all-star cast.

On November 3 and 4 you can be a part of a one-of-a-kind experience filled with singing, unique lights sounds and even smells. The cinematic event will star John Stamos (Full House) as Willy Wonka, Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things, It) as Charlie, Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) singing the role of The Candy Man, and Richard Kind (Gotham) as Grandpa Joe, with musicians Elle King (“Ex’s...

Once again, Wamg attended the 2017 Turner Classic Movie Film Festival in Hollywood, and as always, it did not disappoint!

Ahhh…so many movies, so little time to cover everything, but here are some highlights of my favorite movies of this year’s festival.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Shown poolside at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, this classic was perfect for opening night. Brightly colored inflatable balls and lights floated in the pool like some of Wonka’s best candies as guests enjoyed snacks and cocktails on a beautiful spring evening. In attendance for this special screening were some of the cast members of the original movie. Miss Veruca Salt herself, Julie Dawn Cole; Mike Teevee, also known as Paris Themmen; and one of the original Oompaloompas, Rusty Goffe.

Along with host Illeana Douglas, they recounted some great memories of being on the set of the film in Germany more than 45 years ago.

Yesterday I posted a tweet from Julie Dawn Cole (a.k.a. Veruca Salt) in which the Willy Wonka star expressed her sadness at the passing of former co-star Gene Wilder, who died yesterday at the age of 83 (read Drew's remembrance here). Now, Denise Nickerson, whose gum-snapping character Violet Beauregarde famously transformed into a human blueberry in the 1971 classic, has posted her own tribute, which she signed "Love, Violet": Rip Gene. You were so talented and kindhearted. You will be sorely missed by so many. All of us have lost Our Willy Wonka. Love, Violet — Denise Nickerson (@deniseviolet71) August 30, 2016 Nickerson, who was just 14 when Willy Wonka debuted, racked up a number of roles in the wake of the film's release, including a regular stint on the '70s variety series The Electric Company and as a beauty pageant contestant in Michael Ritchie's 1975 film Smile. She retired from acting...

Julie Dawn Cole, the child actor who so perfectly embodied the spoiled, vitriolic Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory that a '90s alternative rock band named themselves after her, has weighed in on the death of her former co-star Gene Wilder on Twitter with a few simple, heartfelt words: Such very sad news. Words not enough. Treasured memories ???? — Julie Dawn Cole (@realverucasalt) August 29, 2016 While none of the other Wonka kids have yet spoken out on Wilder's death, we'll keep you updated if and when more of them pay tribute. Cole, for the record, has continued to act since starring in the 1971 classic and even paid homage to her most famous role in a show at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe festival entitled Willy Wonka Revisited: The Veruca Salt Sessions. Two years ago she reunited with Wonka co-stars Paris Themmen (Mike TeeVee), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop...

American treasure and crown jewel in Gene Wilder's spectacular oeuvre Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory turns 45 this week. To celebrate, not only have we justly singled out the crime that was Gene Wilder getting passed over for an Oscar, but we're also giving fans an anniversary-based roundup of obscure facts and trivial bits about everyone's favorite vaguely sinister candy factory. 1. Wilder only accepted the role on one condition In a letter to director Mel Stuart, Wilder wrote that he'd read the script and would take the part on the condition that, "When I make my first entrance, I'd like...

American treasure and crown jewel in Gene Wilder's spectacular oeuvre Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory turns 45 this week. To celebrate, not only have we justly singled out the crime that was Gene Wilder getting passed over for an Oscar, but we're also giving fans an anniversary-based roundup of obscure facts and trivial bits about everyone's favorite vaguely sinister candy factory. 1. Wilder only accepted the role on one condition In a letter to director Mel Stuart, Wilder wrote that he'd read the script and would take the part on the condition that, "When I make my first entrance, I'd like...

It has been over forty years since the release of the Gene Wilder-led "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory," a film which became a staple for a whole generation of filmgoers.

Now, a bunch of the film's surviving cast members reunited on "The Today Show" this morning to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the film. The group includes actors Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Rusty Goffe (an Oompa Loompa), Pairs Themmen (Mike Teevee), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloope), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) and Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket).

It seems many of the cast have remained friends over the years with their constant appearances at conventions helping them stick together. Themmen says: "We think of ourselves as part of a family. Maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family, but a family really."...

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory cast has reunited for the classic film’s 44th anniversary. Willy Wonka Reunion All of the child stars in Willy Wonka – Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee) and Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop) sat down for an interview on NBC’s […]

The post ‘Willy Wonka’ Cast Reunite For Film’s 44th Anniversary appeared first on uInterview.

It’s not exactly a milestone celebration, but this year marks 44 years since the release of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the classic musical adaptation of Roald Dahl‘s classic book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. To celebrate the occasion, the five golden ticket winners (Peter Ostrum, Paris Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole, Michael Bolner and Denise […]

The post Votd: ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ Kids Reunite for 44th Anniversary appeared first on /Film.

When released in 1971, no one thought Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory would live on for eternity, remembered 44 years later as one of the all-time greatest family films ever made. But here we are, on the sweet tasting anniversary of this beloved classic, and it's more popular than ever. And the adventure, based on the works of Roald Dahl, continues to charm generation after generation. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory may look a tad dated with its practical painted sets and special effects that were of the era, but it has never lost its magic. And being an odd duck of a movie, it has decided to celebrate an odd duck anniversary. To look back on 44 years of candy-coated bliss, The Today Show gathered some of the original cast for a sit down chat. And this is one gang that's sure to rot out your teeth with their sugary smiles.

Forty-four years after Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory's theatrical premiere, six original cast members – five golden ticket winners, one Oompa Loompa – reunited for an interview with Today, reminiscing about their life-changing roles. "We think of ourselves as a family," says Paris Themmen, who played the hot-headed, cowboy-obsessed Mike Teavee. "Maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family. But a family, really."

Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole (bratty Veruca Salt), Michael Bollner (gluttonous Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde), Peter Ostrum (wide-eyed protagonist Charlie Bucket) and Rusty Goffe (the head Oompa...

It's been 44 years since "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" hit theaters, and this morning the "Today" show staged a reunion of the five kid cast members (and one Oompa Loompa) just in case you were curious what they look like as middle-aged people. Not that it was much of a reunion: the group has kept in close touch over the years and regularly attend conventions together in places like Orlando, Florida. Among the startling "True Hollywood Story"-style revelations: Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) doesn't chew gum! Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket) grew up to become a veterinarian! Oh, and Veruca Salt (Julie Dawn Cole)? Still flawless. See the before and after magic below. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures...

It's been 44 years since Willy Wonka first hit theaters in 1971, and although we as viewers feel lucky to have experienced the film, it's the cast of kids—some of them grandparents now!—from the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel who really feel like they've been blessed. Sitting down with the Today show on Wednesday, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Buckets), Paris Themmen (Mike Teavee), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Rusty Goffe, Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) and Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop) couldn't help but gush about being part of the film and how they're all still connected by it. "We think of ourselves as a family, maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family, but...

Creatives behind The King’s Speech and Wallace and Gromit are in attendance for events and workshops at Cinemagic London (June 30-July 3).

The festival comprises an education programme, where young film-makers have the opportunity to learn from film and television professionals.

Workshops include a screening of Pitch Perfect as part of a case study on film classification with members of the British Board of Film Classification, as well as an in-depth look at the world of film and television visual effects hosted by professionals from Double Negative VFX.

Other sessions include a screening and Q&A with Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit director Merlin Crossingham, a behind-the-scenes look at the BAFTA Children’s Awards and a Q&A session with Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt in the 1971 version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Along with the education programme, Cinemagic will also host a Talent Lab open to people aged 16-21. The...

Kids say the darnedest things! Isn't that what Bill Cosby taught us back in the 1990s? Well, the legendary comedian was right, obviously, especially when it comes to memorable movie quotes. We wanted to take a look back through the decades at some of the most hilarious, touching, unforgettable lines said by kid characters (most are live-action, but there are a few animated characters too). We even asked some of our friends and readers what their favorites were and came up with this list of 25, but it just as easily could have been 50.

And if you notice we paid extra attention to the '80s and '90s, let's just say that's when many of us were growing up; we're sure younger (and older) readers could come up with an entirely different lineup of quotes. Feel free to share them in the comments!

"So never kick a dog / Because he's...

Gene Wilder's costume from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory is set to go under the hammer as part of a collection of memorabilia from the beloved 1971 movie.

Bosses at California auction house Profiles in History expect the purple velvet frock coat, wool and camelhair slacks, off-white shirt, purple and violet lame vest and satin bow tie to sell for up to $120,000 (£75,000).

Other highlights include the everlasting gobstopper given to actress Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt, as a souvenir from the set, and the Golden Egg used by Cole in the I Want it Now musical number in the film.

The egg comes with a notarised copy of a letter from the actress, which reads in part, "The Filming of this scene and Veruca's demise was actually filmed on my 13th birthday. The egg was presented to me at the end of the day's shoot as a birthday present."

Also up for grabs at the July auction: Cole's screen used Golden Ticket, a prop Wonka Scrumdidlyumptious bar and an Oompa Loompa costume worn by one of the actors portraying the industrious Wonka factory workers.

Chicago – One of the great children’s films is “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” released in 1971. As the movie celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a lavish new Blu-ray package, the main child star of film, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), made an appearance at the 2011 Chicago Wizard World Comic Con.

Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket was the focus character in the film, finding the “Golden Ticket” that led him through the magical chocolate factory of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). He was 13 years old during the filming, and famously never acted again. He appeared at the Chicago Comic Con with fellow cast members Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (Violet), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) and Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee).

Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’

Photo Credit: Warner Home Video

HollywoodChicago.com was there, and got a quick interview with the now grown-up Charlie Bucket. Ostrum...

Chicago – The holidays are a perfect time to remember some of 2011’s great entertainment events, and one of them was the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, which took place August 11th-14th. Celebrities such as Anthony Michael Hall, Lou Gossett Jr., LeVar Burton, Peter Tork and Bruce Campbell were there.

HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce turned his lens to the event, and captured the following slide show. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

Comicon1: Anthony Michael Hall, star of ‘The Breakfast Club’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’ Comicon2: Mimi Rogers of ‘The Rapture’ and ‘World Poker Tour’ Comicon3: Oscar Winner Lou Gossett Jr. of ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ Comicon4: Vivica A. Fox of ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Comicon5: Hey,...

Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none By David Savage

If someone had informed this obsessive fan of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 40 years ago, that I could hold a real Wonka Golden Ticket in my hands, watch behind-the-scenes footage and read a book on the making of my favorite film, examine script correspondence, listen to cast commentaries and dive into all sort of Wonka memorabilia in one big box, I probably would not have come up for air for weeks. In fact my reaction would probably have been a lot like Charlie’s when he discovers the last Golden Ticket.

Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none

Fans of Willy Wonka – rejoice! Has Warner Bros. Home Video got a golden treat in store for you, just in time for the holidays. The 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition has just been released in one, big, heavy purple box, the...

The unruly Veruca Salt may have been more than a handful for her overly permissive parents in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," but the actress who played her, Julie Dawn Cole, could not control an unexpected real-life development during filming as she, well, developed.

When NextMovie chatted with the cast over dinner at Rue 57 in New York City to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary, Cole revealed a never-told story, especially since director Mel Stuart was sitting right across from her.

"When we were filming I was 12, almost 13, and different things happen physically to a young girl at that age," explained Cole. "So I started as a very flat-chested 12-year-old, but I was quite proud, as any 12-year-old would be, about what was happening up top. Of course they filmed out of sequence, so we did the factory gates first of all, then something else. We finally did my finding...

While it is considered a classic today, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" was not a hit upon its 1971 release and was even criticized by some people who thought it was mean to children.

But in directing the adaption of the Roald Dahl book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," director Mel Stuart crafted a tale for adults, not kids. That is probably a big reason why it has endured and influenced everyone from "The Simpsons" to Marilyn Manson, on top of the brilliant performance from Gene Wilder as the eccentric yet calculating candy maker. And let's face it, kids love it too. They get it.

The imaginative story about five children who win a tour of Willy Wonka's top secret confectionary plant -- and the chaos they create with subsequent consequences they did not foresee -- is filled with all sorts of great characters, from Wonka to the irrepressibly bratty...

The cast of the 1971 "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" movie appeared on the "Today Show" to celebrate the film's 40-year anniversary and to talk about their experiences being on the set. Check out the video below. In attendance were Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket, now a veterinarian), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt, now acting/fitness instructor), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee, now financial consultant), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde, now an accountant), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop, now a tax accountant), and Diana Sowle (Mrs. Bucket). Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka), Rusty Goffe (Oompa Loompa) and Mel Stuart (director) couldn't make it to the show. Jack Albertson, who played Grandpa Joe, passed away in 1981. Video:...

Forty years after finding their golden tickets, the lucky kids who first met in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory have reunited.

No word on whether the snozzberries still taste like snozzberries, but there's good news: no giant purple floating girls this time.

Nearly all of the surviving cast of the 1971 film, based on Roald Dahl's beloved novel, was brought back together by the "Today Show" on Tuesday, all grown adults but no less fond of their magical adventure.

"I have very fond memories of making the film, working with Jack Albertson and Gene Wilder, they were both super people to work with," said Peter Ostrum, who played lucky winner Charlie. He's now a veterinarian in upstate New York.

There was even a confession of guilt: Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt, admitted that she snuck down early to see the magical set, which was supposed to be off limits...

The cast of 1971 kids' classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory reunited on U.S. TV on Tuesday to celebrate the movie's 40th anniversary.

The film, based on Roald Dahl's beloved story and starring Gene Wilder as reclusive chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka, is one of the most famous children's films of all time.

And 40 years on, the kids who played the lucky Golden Ticket winners got together on America's Today show to discuss their favourite moments shooting the movie.

Peter Ostrum, who played the film's lead Charlie Bucket, says, "I have very fond memories of making the film, working with (Grandpa Joe) Jack Albertson and Gene Wilder, they were both super people to work with."

Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt, revealed she sneaked down to look at the candy-filled set during filming, while Denise Nickerson, who played Violet Beauregarde, laughed about how she was blue for 72 hours after shooting her famous blueberry scene.

Co-stars Paris Themmen and Michael Bollner also appeared on the show.

G’day Zoners! I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter break. I’ve spent my much needed week of Uni eating far too much chocoloate, and compilling the latest round-up of Six Degrees news. This week Jon Stewart will again be performing in the Story Pirates benefit, Mark Malkoff races a NYC bus, Aasif Mandvi pen a book of semi autobiographical essys, Ed Helms is set to guest host “SNL”, Samantha Bee will co-host the 2011 Lucille Lortel Awards, “Wyatt Cenac: Comedy Person” debuts on Comedy Central, and Conan O’Brien is a guest on “Wtf with Marc Maron”.

The Colbert Report

Glenn Eichler (Writer)

Glen’s new book, with illustrations by artist Joe Infurnari “Mush! Sled Dogs with Issues” is set to be released on December 6th.

Mark Malkoff (Former Audience Co-Ordinator)

Mark will be talking to actress Julie Dawn Cole who played Veruca Salt in “Willy...

Fans of SyFy’s canceled Battlestar Galactica prequel series, Caprica, will be happy to know that the final five episodes of the series’ season 1.5 will be televised back-to-back in January 2011. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 4th at 6pm Et, folks.

Executive producer David Eick was surprised that the show fell to the cancelation ax and that the network would pull the remaining episodes from their scheduled air times this month:

“I understand that these are rarely simple decisions and I know the current leadership at Syfy genuinely loved the show and were hell-bent on protecting it and seeing it succeed. Caprica was an extremely smart, unique show and it’ll take quite some time for me to get used to the idea that it’s really gone.”

The show had a loyal following despite being canceled due to low ratings. Earlier this month, a fan-based initiative to bring back...