Interview with “Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” producers David Heyman and Alexandra Derbyshire
The movie ``Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'', directed by Paul King and starring Timothée Chalamet, will be released in 2023, depicting the young life of Willy Wonka, the factory manager played by Johnny Depp in the movie ``Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ''. In preparation for the film's release on Friday, December 8th, we spoke to producers David Heyman and Alexandra Derbyshire about the origins of the film, director Paul King, and more. .
Official website of the movie “Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”
GIGAZINE (hereinafter referred to as G):
This film depicts the young Willy Wonka, the main character of Roald Dahl's novel ``The Secret of the Chocolate Factory''. This novel has been made into a film multiple times, but how much consideration was given to these works during production?
*``The Secret of the Chocolate Factory'' was made into a movie in 1971, directed by Mel Stewart and starring Gene Wilder, and in 2005, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.
Mr. David Heyman (hereinafter referred to as DH):
It has certainly been made into a movie. In this work, we especially tried to avoid any content that would contradict the Mel Stuart version. The original story is, ``How did young Willy become the Wonka we all know?'' In the first two movies, Wonka is portrayed as a very cynical person who is trapped inside the factory. We wondered, 'What kind of person was Wonka? What was Willy like before he was betrayed and became Wonka?' I wanted to portray him as more pure, naive, and chasing his dreams.
G:
This work is different from the previous two works, and I think it has a completely original development. How many rewrites did you go through when creating the script for such a work?
Ms. Alexandra Derbyshire (hereinafter referred to as AD):
The director had to rewrite it over and over again.
DH:
For me and Alex (Derbyshire), that's the joy and challenge of working with a director, but Paul King is always looking into things. The script for this work was such that when I first read it, I was persuaded that I would pay for it. In other words, at that point, the green light had already been given, but the director kept rewriting it until a few weeks ago.
AD:
Paul is both the director and the scriptwriter, so the challenge for me was to get Paul to stop rewriting the script and direct him (lol).
Making a movie like this is a very difficult and complicated job, so we have to decide early on that we're going to go with this script. But the reality is that Paul kept rewriting the script, making more revisions...it took three years to get there, and as David said, he was rewriting it until about three weeks ago. .
DH:
However, continuing to make changes like this is something we expect from our directors. It just means that I'm trying to make my work better. Works are living things, and so are scripts, so I looked for flaws and tried to make them even a little better.
G:
The early trailers for this work were notable for their bright tone, but when I actually watched the main story, I found that there were many harsh depictions.
DH:
I think it's because the main character has an enemy and the villain is a dark being, but this is because Mr. Dahl's novels originally have that kind of atmosphere. However, I don't think the work itself is 'dark.' The villain does appear, but it's a little more emphasized. Movies are not meant to express social reality, so even if a dangerous evil approaches, I think the audience will feel at ease watching the film until the end. think.
G:
I think this work has strong musical elements, but how did you decide on this style?
AD:
It was decided from the beginning. Paul said he wanted to use some original songs, and he loves singer-songwriter
DH:
It's like, ``There are a lot of songs in the movie.''
G:
You have worked with director Paul King several times, what is it about him that appeals to you?
DH:
He's already a great director! The outcome of a produced work is determined by the skill of the director.
AD:
The producer's job is to help the director achieve his vision. Paul's vision is very detailed and special, and we are thrilled to be able to help bring it to life.
DH:
Yes, he is a director with a clear vision and a great imagination.
AD:
And that's generous...
DH:
Never give up. Don't compromise until you reach 'perfection.' As a producer, it's difficult (lol), but I mean 'tough' in a very good sense. That's exactly what producers are looking for. I'm not looking for something that says, ``This is fine.''
AD:
If his ideas improve the work, we will try our best to achieve them.
G:
In what ways do you feel that the director's abilities are reflected in this work?
DH:
All frames! If I were the director, I wouldn't be sitting here today (lol)
(Everyone laughs)
DH:
Because it's Paul, it's designed like this, and the song is like this... Anyway, I want you to see everything frame by frame.
AD:
At the same time, he is also a very supportive person. As a producer, I am very happy that he is willing to talk to us.
G:
While reading articles about the production of this film, I came across a story that the director and lead actor Timothée Chalamet ate too much chocolate and candy and were not feeling well at times.
DH:
It is true that Paul may have eaten too much chocolate at first. This time, amazing staff participated in the chocolate making process, and they made a variety of wonderful chocolates, including flower-shaped chocolates.
AD:
He's already like a ``god''.
DH:
It's true that not only did the chocolate look good, but it also tasted really good and was so delicious that I ended up eating a lot of it. As expected, it wasn't so bad that I got sick (lol)
AD:
Timothy had a smaller amount than the others (lol)
G:
I hear that Mr. Heyman reads a lot of books, but what kind of books do you read?
DH:
I'm a huge reader. When you read a book, you will discover many things. Sometimes I'm surprised by the books I read for love rather than for work. Sometimes I just look at the synopsis and say, ``I'm going to read this.'' For example, in the case of ``Harry Potter,'' my assistant reads it first and introduces it to me, saying, ``There's a story about a boy who goes to a wizarding school.'' So I thought it looked interesting and got interested. I'm often asked, 'What kind of book would be made into a movie?' But it's not until you read the book that you understand what it's like, so it's hard to say ``what kind of book will be made into a movie.'' If I had to say it, I would say that the movie is based on various elements from the book. In the case of this work, I created it based on my impressions of the characters created by Mr. Dahl. It was a great character to make into a movie.
G:
This time, ``Wonka'' was released in Japan one week earlier than in the United States. Was there any strategy in mind?
DH:
I thought Japan would be a great place for this film. ...To be honest, part of it was just a coincidence of schedules (lol)
(Everyone laughs)
DH:
If the film is released in Japan later, we will not be able to come to Japan. Japan is an important market, but at the same time, Paul, Tim and I all love Japan, and considering the timing of our promotion, there was a practical problem: Japan was the only place we could go. I'm really happy to be able to come to Japan.
The state of 'Magical Chocolate Night' held in Japan is like this.
Participating in the event were, from left, Cent Chihiro Chicchi, who is in charge of dubbing the role of Noodle, the girl who becomes Wonka's sidekick, Mr. Heyman, director Paul King, Timothée Chalamet, who plays Willy Wonka, and Hugh, who plays the Oompa Loompas. Sota Hanamura (Da-iCE) is in charge of dubbing the roles of Mr. Grant, Mr. Derbyshire, and Wonka.
G:
I see, it turned out to be a good fit. Mr. Derbyshire is based in the UK. How did you become a film producer?
AD:
That's already a long time ago (lol) I went to film school and worked as a runner (assistant role). From there, I gradually rose through the ranks and became a producer, and eventually someone appeared who trusted me and let me produce their work... and so on. That person was David.
DH:
She had been working for a long time, was a caring person, and understood all aspects of making a movie, which is what a producer needs. Above all, I am a person who really loves movies. I think Paul King is lucky to have her and I'm lucky to have her join us.
AD:
I was lucky to be entrusted with the role of ``Paddington.''
DH:
That's not true (lol)
'Paddington' is a movie based on children's literature, directed by Paul King.
Movie 'Paddington' Trailer - YouTube
AD:
I had no experience in VFX at the time, but I told them, ``I'll learn, so trust me,'' and they believed me. From there to now.
DH:
Nowadays, she knows more about work than me (lol)
G:
Mr. Heyman said that he studied art at university, and I was wondering if that knowledge has been utilized in his current career.What kind of things did you study?
DH:
I studied art history. Everyone who works on movies goes to film school, but I feel the importance of receiving ``education'' in a broader sense. Both art and history are deeply involved in telling stories. Art in particular is a mysterious thing, and I think I received a very good education there. Since it's an American university, we share a common language, but there were many differences. I love traveling, and I feel that spending time with people from different cultures is a great way to learn.
G:
Lastly, please give a few words to those who are looking forward to this work.
AD:
This movie is a 'theatrical movie.' It is made with great care and attention to detail. Acting is also warm and comforting. As a producer, I've seen the movie many times, and I think this is a movie that's perfect to watch with other people, and one that will leave you with a warm feeling and a smile on your face after watching it. I hope you enjoy it at the theater.
DH:
It is a moving work that touches the hearts of both adults and children, and the result is visually stunning. This is a work that will warm your heart and provide you with a better experience that will make you glad that you, who live in this era where so many things are being tested, have chosen to do so. I would be happy if everyone could gather together during the coming cold season and take a look at this work created by an outstanding creator.
G:
Thank you for today.
The movie 'Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' will be released nationwide from today, Friday, December 8, 2023. There is also a ``completely dubbed version'' in which the Japanese cast performs both the dialogue and singing.
Full dubbed trailer for the movie “Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” to be released on Friday, December 8, 2023 - YouTube
◆“Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” work information
Director/Screenplay: Paul King
Producer: David Heyman
Original idea: Roald Dahl
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson
Distribution: Warner Bros. Pictures
© 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved
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