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Josh O’Connor, known for his current role in Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” recently opened up about his dream role in an interview, revealing his aspiration to delve into the darker side of Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl’s classic tale, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Expressing admiration for Timothée Chalamet’s recent portrayal of a youthful Willy Wonka in “Wonka,” O’Connor acknowledged it as a stellar performance while expressing his desire to explore a more ominous iteration of the character. He confessed a longstanding fascination with Willy Wonka and envisioned himself bringing depth to the role in a darker narrative.
Reflecting on past portrayals, O’Connor delved into Gene Wilder’s rendition of Willy Wonka, highlighting the character’s complexity. While not inherently malicious, Wonka is depicted as a figure shrouded in mystery and occasional anger, with the ominous backdrop of children mysteriously vanishing during their factory tour adding a layer of intrigue.
Furthermore, O’Connor touched upon Johnny Depp’s interpretation of Willy Wonka in the 2005 remake, acknowledging the various facets explored in different adaptations of the beloved story.
Beyond his role in “The Crown,” O’Connor has showcased his talent in a range of films and television series, including “Emma” and “Peaky Blinders.” His portrayal of Prince Charles in “The Crown” garnered critical acclaim, earning him prestigious accolades such as Golden Globe and Emmy awards.
In his forthcoming film, “Challengers,” O’Connor takes on the role of tennis player Patrick Zweig, sharing the screen with luminaries like Zendaya and Mike Faist. With each project, O’Connor continues to solidify his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sink his teeth into the enigmatic persona of Willy Wonka in a darker narrative.