We were joined on the Popternative show by Calah Lane who can be seen playing Noodle in the new film, Wonka, currently playing in theaters. Wonka is an origin story of Willy Wonka and a prequel to the classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Starring Timothée Chalamet (Dune, Call Me by Your Name), Wonka tells the story of “how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.”
From writer and director Paul King (Paddington films), the musical also stars Keegan-Michael Key (Schmigadoon!, Migration), Paterson Joseph (Boat Story, That Dirty Black Bag), Matt Lucas (Little Britain, Bridesmaids), Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, The Split), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water, Spencer), Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean, Johnny English films), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown), and Hugh Grant (Paddington 2, A Very English Scandal).
On preparing for her character, Calah says, “My character is new, so I didn’t really have to study [Willy Wonka] like Timmy [Timothée Chalamet] did. Being a new character, I have that flexibility, […] now I can make it my own.”
Calah also discuses working with Chalamet and preparing for their scenes: “We did rehearse a lot before we even filmed it, and he’s super fun to work with. He’s definitely a great scene partner, I love how he gets into his Willy Wonka character, I love how he makes his character his own in a way but still being the Gene Wilder version while being himself.”
Watch the full interview below.