Commentary: ‘Wonka’ Needs To Be Viewed Without Nostalgia

Revitalizing franchises can be a messy business for storytelling. This is doubly true when the branding is old and outdated. There aren’t many instances where this is the case, but when it does happen, storytellers try to tap into nostalgia while also telling a fresh and original tale. But sometimes, nostalgia can be a weakness rather than a strength. If fans remember something a specific way, they are setting expectations as to how a revitalization should be that are not often met. So it’s often better to view these revitalized franchises as starting from scratch and doing something completely new, as is the case with Wonka.

The film serves as a prequel to the Roald Dahl book Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. It chronicles an optimistic and hopeful Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) as he arrives in the city after traveling the wolrd to discover the best ways to create chocolates. Established chocolate makers try to foil his rising star, but with the help of some friends, Wonka manages to expose them as the crooks they are and establish his trademark factory.

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory , the 1971 film adaptation of Dahl’s novel, is undoubtedly a classic, so it’s impossible for fans to completely eradicate it from their mind while watching this prequel. But this is a much different Wonka than fans are used to, and not just because he’s younger. He hasn’t become the cynical recluse made famous by Gene Wilder. There’s also a different style and flash to this musical that the classic didn’t have. If fans are looking for a solid prequel then they will be disappointed. The best way to experience this film is to view it as its own thing entirely and separate for any preconceived ideas about who Willy Wonka is and how he should be portrayed.

Wonka is now streaming on Max.