While much better movies are on the horizon (Black Panther is just days away!), I think it's safe to say that 2018 hasn't gotten off to the best start from a cinematic perspective. In many ways, that's to be expected, as January and early February are typically dumping grounds for the major studios. But it's funny that the two best movies I've seen this year were both technically 2017 releases: Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread went into limited release on Christmas Day, and Paul King's Paddington 2 debuted in the U.K. over the holidays as well. While I was waiting over a year to see Anderson's latest cinematic masterwork, Paddington 2 is probably the biggest and best surprise of the year so far. I may have missed the original Paddington when it burst into theaters in 2015, but after catching up with the marmalade-loving bear's first adventure, I was careful not to miss the sequel. The film unexpectedly gained quite a bit of hype in critical circles, and it's one of the most delightful experiences I've had in a movie theater in years. And just like that, Paul King became a must-watch director. King had an animated project involving the Beatles in development, and many expected him to return for Paddington 3. But according to a new report, King will be jumping into production on a different literary adaptation.
Per The Hollywood Reporter's Borys Kit, Paul King has been tapped by Warner Bros. to direct their upcoming Willy Wonka reboot. Inside Out and Saturday Night Live writer Simon Rich has penned the script, which is rumored to be an origin story about the famed candyman (THR describes the script as being "under wraps"). In an interesting but not especially surprising development, the Wonka film is being positioned as a franchise starter, as WB hoping to produce a Guillermo del Toro-written adaptation of The Witches, another novel from Wonka author Roald Dahl. In addition, Warner is developing a number of Dr. Seuss adaptations, including a new take on The Cat in the Hat. The studio clearly has a lot of faith in King and producer David Heyman to lead this group of films in the right direction, and honestly, why wouldn't they?
Let's be honest, there's no reason for a Wonka reboot, especially one that tracks his origin story as a young entrepreneur. The 1971 original is a psychedelic classic for a reason, and I have fond memories of Tim Burton's downright bizarre 2005 remake/re-imagining. But my skepticism about this idea is completely surpassed by my enthusiasm for King, an innovative and imaginative filmmaker with vision and talent to spare. King's Paddington films blend the quirky style of Wes Anderson with the clever physical comedy of Chaplin and Keaton, which is a match made in heaven. His sense of visual storytelling is impeccable, and his films are just overflowing with heart and humor. I have no doubt that he can bring this same sense of kinetic energy and emotional warmth to the beautifully strange world of Willy Wonka. It may seem like a cynical cash grab, but in King's hands, I can't see this movie not working. He's a miracle worker.
Look for more information on this story as it develops.
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| Paul King (right) and Brendan Gleeson on the set of "Paddington 2" (Image courtesy of Warner Bros.) |
Per The Hollywood Reporter's Borys Kit, Paul King has been tapped by Warner Bros. to direct their upcoming Willy Wonka reboot. Inside Out and Saturday Night Live writer Simon Rich has penned the script, which is rumored to be an origin story about the famed candyman (THR describes the script as being "under wraps"). In an interesting but not especially surprising development, the Wonka film is being positioned as a franchise starter, as WB hoping to produce a Guillermo del Toro-written adaptation of The Witches, another novel from Wonka author Roald Dahl. In addition, Warner is developing a number of Dr. Seuss adaptations, including a new take on The Cat in the Hat. The studio clearly has a lot of faith in King and producer David Heyman to lead this group of films in the right direction, and honestly, why wouldn't they?
Let's be honest, there's no reason for a Wonka reboot, especially one that tracks his origin story as a young entrepreneur. The 1971 original is a psychedelic classic for a reason, and I have fond memories of Tim Burton's downright bizarre 2005 remake/re-imagining. But my skepticism about this idea is completely surpassed by my enthusiasm for King, an innovative and imaginative filmmaker with vision and talent to spare. King's Paddington films blend the quirky style of Wes Anderson with the clever physical comedy of Chaplin and Keaton, which is a match made in heaven. His sense of visual storytelling is impeccable, and his films are just overflowing with heart and humor. I have no doubt that he can bring this same sense of kinetic energy and emotional warmth to the beautifully strange world of Willy Wonka. It may seem like a cynical cash grab, but in King's hands, I can't see this movie not working. He's a miracle worker.
Look for more information on this story as it develops.
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