Darker, scarier and sexier!
Forget charming princes! Josh O’Connor, the actor who had you all swooning as Prince Charles, is craving a role that’s anything but charming. Buckle up, chocolate lovers, because his dream character is Willy Wonka – but with a sinister twist!
Josh O’Connor, known for his riveting portrayal of Prince Charles in “The Crown,” is setting his sights on a dramatically different role. In a fresh twist on a classic, O’Connor has expressed his desire to delve into a darker rendition of Willy Wonka, the whimsical chocolatier from Roald Dahl’s beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Currently starring in Luca Guadagnino’s film “Challengers,” O’Connor spoke about his aspirations during an interview with WSJ Magazine.
The actor, who has already captivated audiences with his diverse performances in series like “Peaky Blinders” and films like “Emma,” revealed his interest in exploring a more brooding and complex version of Wonka. “I would love to play Willy Wonka,” O’Connor stated, “But like a dark Willy Wonka.”
This idea comes in the wake of Timothée Chalamet’s recent portrayal in “Wonka,” which serves as an origin story for the character. However, O’Connor envisions a more sinister take that could bring out the underlying darkness hinted at in earlier adaptations.
He reflected on Gene Wilder’s iconic 1971 performance, noting the peculiar and somewhat unsettling traits of Wilder’s Wonka.
“It’s not dark in a sinister way. I think he’s a furious man,” O’Connor observed.
The actor’s interpretation would potentially draw on the character’s darker, more mysterious elements, such as the eerie disappearance of children during the factory tour. This theme has been a subtle undercurrent in previous adaptations.
As Josh O’Connor continues to make waves with his performance in “Challengers,” alongside Zendaya and Mike Faist, his interest in redefining Willy Wonka promises to offer a new and intriguing perspective on the classic character, possibly steering it toward the realms of psychological thriller or horror.
Josh O’Connor’s fresh take on Willy Wonka could revitalize the saga and reshape how you all view this complex character, which is traditionally seen as both enchanting and slightly ominous.
Whether he will have the opportunity to actualize this vision is yet uncertain, but his history of compelling performances suggests that it would certainly be a version to watch. Only time will tell if this darker reinterpretation will come to fruition.
