Chelsea Peretti is among a bevvy of guest stars set to appear on the second season of Daisy May Cooper’s BBC hit comedy “Am I Being Unreasonable?”

In addition to the “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” actor, fellow guest stars will include Tom Davis (“Wonka”), Denise Black (“Queer as Folk”), Jamali Maddix (“Never Mind the Buzzcocks”), British rapper and poet Kojey Radical and Cooper’s “This Country” co-star (and real-life brother) Charlie Cooper.

According to the synopsis, Season 2 will begin where Season 1 left off – “mid panic attack.”

“Has Nic got away with murder? Quite possibly. Has she raised her son Ollie to follow in her murky footsteps? Kicked out of the family home for brotherly love – loving the wrong brother – Nic is reduced to sharing a caravan with her not so trustworthy best friend Jen. Nic’s Husband Dan has taken up roller-blading to channel his mid-life crisis. Shunned at the school...

Ahead of the World Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 11, Hulu has released the teaser trailer for A Thousand Blows, the epic new series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. The series is from the mind of Steven Knight, acclaimed creator of the global hit series Peaky Blinders.

Season one of A Thousand Blows is coming to Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, Hulu in the U.S. and select other countries on Disney+ in 2025. The Story Collective produces the series in a co-production with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.

The teaser trailer features the first glimpse at BAFTA award-winning actor Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, who finds himself thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End from Jamaica.

Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, he meets Mary Carr,...

Plot: In the ninety minutes before the live airing of the first episode of Saturday Night Live, a young Lorne Michaels (Gabriel Labelle) desperately tries to keep NBC from pulling the plug while dealing with a cast, writers and crew in open rebellion.

Review: Comedy would be very different nowadays if not for Saturday Night Live‘s impact. Most noteworthy comedy film stars of the last four decades emerged from their ranks, and nearly fifty years since its premiere, it remains as vital as ever. Yet, the making of the show itself had become an almost mythological tale, with it a known fact that the young Lorne Michaels had to overcome overwhelming odds to make the show in the first place.

What Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night does is that it distills most of the big challenges Michaels had to overcome into one ninety-minute period. It’s a conceit that...

Ahead of the World Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival tonight, Disney+ has released a first-look teaser trailer for ‘A Thousand Blows’ the epic new series, set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London.

The teaser trailer features a new look at BAFTA award-winning actor Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, who finds himself thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End from Jamaica. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, he meets Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, played by Stephen Graham, a seasoned and dangerous boxer and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.

The...

What can we say about Chevy Chase on his 81st birthday that we haven’t already said before?

Here’s the good news: We don’t have to say it. After decades of burning down every bridge in sight, it was no problem to find 81 burns to light the candles on his cake. Below is a birthday portrait of the man of the hour, courtesy of the co-workers, directors and other unfortunates who’ve worked with Chase over the years.

1 Will Ferrell

“The worst (SNL) host was Chevy Chase.”

(Live From New York: The Complete Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live)

2 Buck Henry

“I thought Chevy shouldn’t have left (SNL). I thought it was really stupid.”

(Live From New York: The Complete Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live)

3 John Carpenter 4 Director Kevin Smith

“Chevy went on to claim he invented every funny thing that ever happened in the history of not just comedy,...

As Saturday Night Live embarks upon its milestone 50th season, Saturday Night arrives to complete the show’s journey, despite the film’s lack of authorial stamp from Broadway Video, NBC, or even Universal Pictures. With the appearance of a reverent, mythmaking de facto biopic, covering the momentous 90 minutes leading...

In 2008, with two lauded features already under his belt (“Thank You for Smoking” and “Juno”), Jason Reitman took a break from one of his professional dreams (be a filmmaker) to fulfill another (be a writer on “Saturday Night Live”). For one week, the writer/director joined the crew of the venerated live sketch comedy show (it was the Ashton Kutcher-hosted episode), an experience he likens to joining the Los Angeles Lakers for a game.

Like most comedy wonks, Reitman had grown up revering “Saturday Night Live,” an affection he channels for his latest, “Saturday Night,” which he also wrote with Gil Kenan. Set on October 11, 1975, the film follows the wild, rag-tag original cast and crew as they attempt to launch the very first episode of the NBC series.

Nothing, of course, goes to plan. How could it? It’s 90 minutes of live comedy. For 109 of its own nonstop minutes,...

Next year, ‘Saturday Night Live' will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, after making its premiere on October 11, 1975. The famed late-night comedy’s beginnings are also in the process of being captured in a new film, aptly titled ‘SNL 1975’. While little details have been released about the plot or script, casting information, behind-the-scenes pictures, as well as history can give us information on this anticipated origin story.

Things to do:

Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time Offer – Free Subscription to The Hollywood Insider Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider fully focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, against gossip and scandal, by combining entertainment, education, and philanthropy.

Live From New York, It’S 1975 Though it may seem that the plot of ‘SNL 1975...

On Monday August 26 2024, NBC broadcasts Today!

Season 72 Episode 286 Episode Summary

On August 26, 2024, “Today” returns for Season 72, Episode 286, airing from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. on NBC. This episode will feature a variety of segments focused on practical advice and seasonal trends.

In the “Money Saving Monday” segment, viewers will learn strategies for making the most of their money with the theme “Use It, Don’t Lose It.” This feature offers tips on how to maximize savings and avoid common financial pitfalls.

Jill Martin will present “Steals & Deals,” highlighting fall fashion and accessories. This segment will showcase stylish and affordable options for updating wardrobes for the upcoming season.

In celebration of National Dog Day, Tom Davis will provide valuable tips on training dogs. This segment is perfect for pet owners looking to enhance their dog’s behavior and strengthen their bond.

Tune in to NBC for these informative and engaging segments on “Today.

On Saturday 24 August 2024, ITV broadcasts The Chris McCausland Show!

Season 1 Episode 9 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Chris McCausland Show” promises to be a delightful mix of laughter and entertainment. Airing soon on ITV, this episode features the talented comedian Chris McCausland as the host, known for his quick wit and engaging personality.

Joining Chris in this episode are two notable comedians, Tom Davis and Alasdair Beckett-King. Both guests bring their unique styles of humor, which should create a lively atmosphere. Fans of comedy can expect plenty of laughs as these three comedians share stories and jokes, making for an entertaining hour.

In addition to the comedy, the episode will feature live music from Nieve Ella. Her performance is sure to add an extra layer of enjoyment to the show, blending music with the comedic elements. With a mix of humor and live entertainment, this episode of “The Chris McCausland Show...

Hulu has released an official first look at the upcoming UK Original, A Thousand Blows. This epic new series is set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London and is from the mind of Steven Knight, acclaimed creator of the global hit series Peaky Blinders.

A Thousand Blows is coming to Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, Hulu in the U.S., and select other countries on Disney+ in 2025. The Story Collective produces the series in a co-production with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.

The images reveal the first glimpse at BAFTA award-winning actor Malachi Kirby (Small Axe) as Hezekiah Moscow, who finds himself thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End from Jamaica.

Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow

Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, he meets Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty...

Hulu has dropped some of the first photos of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s upcoming period drama series A Thousand Blows, starring and executive produced by Stephen Graham. See images above and below (including the full version of Graham).

Set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, A Thousand Blows is set for premere on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, Hulu in the U.S. and select other countries on Disney+ in 2025.

Photos released today reveal the first glimpse at Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, who finds himself thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End from Jamaica. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, he meets Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty (The Crown), leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills,...

Forty years ago this summer, a perfect storm of moviemaking elements came together with almost supernatural precision: SNL alums like Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray at the height of their popularity; director Ivan Reitman and co-writer Harold Ramis at the peak of their creativity; unexpectedly innovative and convincing VFX developed by Richard Edlund on a budget because Ilm was too busy; and a weathered and weary New York City that, still a decade out from “urban renewal,” proved a perfect backdrop for a comedy about working stiffs going into business.

All these elements and more seemed to capture lightning in a bottle at a specific time and place for one of the great American comedies. In retrospect, it seems almost impossible to duplicate. But that doesn’t mean there was a lack of trying. Despite Ghostbusters being a singularly deadpanned ‘80s comedy, the film has generated cartoon spinoffs, video games,...

"We're 90 minutes of live television by a group of 20-year-olds who have never made anything. Did you ever stop and wonder why they said yes? A counterculture show starring total unknowns with zero narrative and even less structure. They want you to fail."

That's how producer Dick Ebersol (played by Cooper Hoffman of "Licorice Pizza") describes the comedic experiment that was "Saturday Night Live" in the first trailer for Jason Reitman's new movie "Saturday Night." The film chronicles all the chaos, fighting, drama, and hilarity that unfolded behind the scenes before the premiere of what would become one of the most iconic comedy shows of all time. 

When Vanity Fair debuted a first look at "Saturday Night" earlier this week, Reitman described it as a comedy-thriller where time was the villain, and that's exactly what we get in the trailer you can watch above. There's a literal ticking clock...

While we wait for the 50th season of "Saturday Night Live" to begin, complete with Maya Rudolph returning as Vice President Kamala Harris, another era of the late night sketch comedy series will soon be getting the spotlight too. Jason Reitman, director of "Juno" and "Up in the Air," is digging back into the annals of comedy history with his latest cinematic effort, "Saturday Night." The film will chronicle the relatively short window of time leading up to the October 1975 premiere of "Saturday Night Live," though the series wouldn't debut with that full title, premiering only as "Saturday Night." 

"Saturday Night," described as a "comedy-thriller" by Reitman himself, promises to dig into all the behind-the-scenes chaos and drama that led to the breakthrough live comedy experiment that would become a late night staple and spawn some of the biggest names in comedy, starting with the Not Ready for Primetime Players like Dan Aykroyd,...

Takeshi’s Castle was a global phenomenon that introduced a genre of game shows involving physical challenges. To win the competition, the players had to beat all these obstacles to reach Takeshi Kitano’s castle. The winner got a prize of one million yen. However, fans of the competition rarely got to see a winner.

A still from Takeshi’s Castle | Tokyo Broadcasting System

The challenges were so difficult that only eight contestants/teams have ever won the game show. In 2023, Amazon Prime Video revived the series after 34 years with Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis taking on the commentary seats in the UK version. Earlier, the original run of the show was canceled in 1990 after four years despite its immense popularity.

Takeshi’s Castle Had Only Eight Winners In The History Of The Game Show A still from Takeshi’s Castle | Tokyo Broadcasting System

Takeshi’s Castle ran between 1986 and 1990 and involved around 100 to 142 contestants.

On Sunday 9 June 2024, ITV broadcasts Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh!

Season 6 Episode 23 Episode Summary

In this episode of “Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh” on ITV, host Alan Titchmarsh invites viewers to join him for a delightful summer party at Manor Farm. Among the guests mingling at the festivities are the esteemed broadcaster and tennis player Sue Barker, who shares insights from her illustrious career, and the witty interviewer and comedy writer Clive Anderson, who takes a stroll down memory lane.

Adding a touch of theatrical flair to the occasion is West End star Zizi Strallen, who regales viewers with captivating stories from life on the stage. Meanwhile, farmers Tom Davis and Charlie Dodd pamper poultry, offering tips on how to care for feathered friends, and horticulturist Camilla Bassett-Smith shares advice on water-friendly planting to help gardeners navigate potential hosepipe bans.

With its blend of celebrity interviews, gardening tips,...

Get ready for a delightful morning with Season 6, Episode 23 of “Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh,” airing at 9:30 Am on Sunday, June 9, 2024, on ITV. This episode takes viewers to a charming Manor Farm summer party where Alan mingles with an impressive lineup of guests. Legendary broadcaster and former tennis player Sue Barker shares her experiences, while interviewer and comedy writer Clive Anderson takes a nostalgic walk down memory lane. Adding to the star-studded affair is West End sensation Zizi Strallen, who brings the magic of the stage with her captivating stories.

But that’s not all. This episode also offers a unique blend of rural charm and practical advice. Farmers Tom Davis and Charlie Dodd introduce viewers to the world of pampering poultry, providing tips on caring for feathered friends. Meanwhile, horticulturist Camilla Bassett-Smith shares her expertise on water-friendly planting, helping gardeners avoid hosepipe bans and keep their gardens thriving.

For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…

Chris Barnes...

J.K. Simmons has joined the cast of Jason Reitman’s SNL 1975, and not only will the Oscar winner be playing Hollywood legend Milton Berle, but he’ll have the notable distinction of becoming the first actual SNL host to join the cast of the Sony movie.

Simmons hosted the Jan. 31, 2015 episode of Saturday Night Live, which featured D’Angelo as the musical guest. At the time, Simmons was riding high off an Oscar nomination for Whiplash, and he would go on to win the Academy Award following his SNL hosting stint.

Meanwhile, Berle hosted SNL on April 14, 1979, and Ornette Coleman was his musical guest. It’s unclear where Berle fits into Reitman’s movie at this moment in time.

SNL 1975 is a behind-the-scenes account of the very first episode of Saturday Night Live. The film will reportedly unfold in real-time.

On the heels of playing Steven Spielberg in The Fabelmans,...

J.K. Simmons has rounded out the cast for Jason Reitman’s delve into behind-the-scenes happenings of the opening night of ‘SNL’ in ‘SNL 1975’.

Billy Bryk (Friendship), Joe Chrest (Stranger Things), Taylor Gray (Star Wars: Rebels) and Mcabe Gregg (Teenage Badass) have also joined the cast.

Simmons is set to take on the role of comedian Milton Berle, with Chrest as Weekend Update co-creator Herb Sargent. Gray and Gregg portray Al Franken and Tom Davis, the SNL writer-performers of duo Franken & Davis. Details as to Bryk’s role haven’t been disclosed.

Also in news – Benedict Cumberbatch stars in first look images for ‘Eric’

The latest group of actors join the already cast Gabriel Labelle who leads the ensemble as Lorne Michaels, with Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Lamorne Morris, Dylan O’Brien, Nicholas Braun, Finn Wolfhard and Kaia Gerber.

The script for the project is penned by Reitman and Gil Kenan.

Exclusive: Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons (The Accountant 2) is among the final additions to the cast of Sony Pictures’ film SNL 1975 (working title), based on real-life behind-the-scenes accounts of the opening night of Saturday Night Live. Other new cast members for the Jason Reitman pic include Billy Bryk (Friendship), Joe Chrest (Stranger Things), Taylor Gray (Star Wars: Rebels) and Mcabe Gregg (Teenage Badass).

Simmons plays comedian Milton Berle, with Chrest as Weekend Update co-creator Herb Sargent. Gray and Gregg portray Al Franken and Tom Davis, the SNL writer-performers of duo Franken & Davis. Details as to Bryk’s role haven’t been disclosed.

As previously announced, The Fabelmans breakout Gabriel Labelle leads the ensemble as Lorne Michaels, with Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Lamorne Morris, Dylan O’Brien, Nicholas Braun, Finn Wolfhard and Kaia Gerber also to star.

It was on October 11th, 1975 that a ferocious troupe of young...

Exclusive: Lolly Adefope (Saltburn) has signed on alongside Fergus Craig, Jessica Fostekew, and Helen Cripps to lead the scripted podcast Dial F For Football written by comedian Rhys James and Mark G Smith for Keep It Light Media (Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe and Wolf & Owl with Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis).

The pod will be directed by Mark G Smith and feature cameos from names such as Alan Davies, Ed Gamble, James Acaster, Lou Sanders, Ben Bailey-Smith and Phil Wang. Episodes will drop weekly from March 27.

The pod is described as an “audio comedy series” that gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at a popular commercial sports radio station, Totalsport FM. Listeners join the show at a time when the station has decided to “modernize” its output by introducing more “diverse, dynamic and interesting talent,” a decision that provokes a...

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is about to unleash all kinds of ghouls on New York City once more – with two generations of ‘busters ready to battle them, no less. As well as continuing the adventures of the young Spenglers – and Paul Rudd’s Gary Grooberson – the original gang is back in the Firehouse. Empire caught up with them for our world-exclusive Frozen Empire issue, getting the inside scoop on the film, the characters’ much-anticipated returns – and all other kinds of spooky business. Read Empire’s conversation with Dan Aykroyd here – discussing possessed objects, ghostly encounters, and a spiritual visit from an owl.

Originally published in the March 2024 issue of Empire.

———

Empire: Your family’s fascination with ghosts dates back to your great-grandfather, a spiritualist who held séances. Have you had any otherworldly encounters recently?

Dan Aykroyd: Nothing happened this summer at the old farmhouse where the séances used to take place.

A new second series of Daisy May Cooper’s Educating Daisy has launched exclusively on Audible. In this series of her Audible Original, Daisy has once again invited six more celebrity friends to try to convert her to become a reader by talking about their favourite novels. Rylan Clark, Greg Davies, Tom Davis, Sindhu Vee, Danny Robins and Kerry Godliman are guests who hope to introduce her to a book that she can't resist.

Close your eyes and count to 10: “Wonka” is open for business! The musical origin story, which premiered in theaters on Dec. 15, will make its streaming debut this March 8 on Max. With Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, and more, “Dune: Part Two” star Timothée Chalamet plays the young title chocolatier on his path to becoming the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate maker, evading Slugworths Watch “Wonka” exclusively on Max on Friday, March 8. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max.

How to Watch 'Wonka' When: Friday, March 8, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. Free 7-Day Trial$9.99+ / month Max via Prime Video About 'Wonka'

Directed by Paul King (“Paddington” films) and co-written by King and Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”), 2023’s “Wonka” takes one of Roald Dahl’s...

“Wonka” To Begin Streaming Next Month, “Dune 2” This Spring on Max

Max is giving the people what they’re looking for: Timothée Chalamet updates.

In the recent quarterly earnings investors call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav shared streaming news for two recent Chalamet-starred projects: last year’s “Wonka” and the upcoming “Dune: Part Two.”

The musical fantasy origin story “Wonka,” which opened in theaters this past December, will begin streaming on the platform on Friday, March 8. Reuniting “Paddington 2” dynamic duo Paul King and Simon Farnaby, the film stars Chalamet as the title chocolatier in his pre-factory years, who “armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams…manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.”

The film has earned Warner Bros. $608 million at the worldwide box office. It also stars Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Matthew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter,...

‘Wonka 2’ Led By Timothee Chalamet Is On The Cards? Here’s What Director Paul King Says (Photo Credit – IMDb)

Timothee Chalamet-led Wonka did well at the box office upon its release last year. It became one of the highest-grossing films of Timothee’s career. The film was directed by Paul King, who shed some light on Wonka 2 after the success of the first film. People were skeptical about Chalamet stepping into the role of Willy Wonka, which was previously made iconic by Johnny Depp and the late star Gene Wilder.

The cast of Wonka included Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Davis, and more to support Timothee. It is a musical, and it was released around Christmas, which might have given it an edge as the families spend time together watching this fantasy flick with their loved ones. Scroll below for more.

During an interview with ComicBook.com.

Timothée Chalamet’s magical, musical candyman is coming to Max.

“Wonka” will make its streaming debut exclusively on Max on Friday, March 8, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Friday.

The movie — featuring Chalamet in the title role — tells the origin story of Willy Wonka, following him as a young man as he becomes “the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker,” per the studio. The family film co-stars Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key and Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa.

“Wonka” has surpassed $600 million at the global box office, on an estimated $125 million budget. The film is director Paul King’s highest-grossing film, surpassing 2014’s “Paddington” and its 2017 sequel. It is Chalamet’s biggest movie at the international box office, although Warner Bros.’s “Dune: Part Two,” which opens March 1, could surpass “Wonka.”

The “Wonka” cast also includes Calah Lane, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Natasha Rothwell,...

The Timothée Chalamet-led Wonka scored an opening day gross of $14.4 million from 4,203 theaters at the Friday box office, putting it on course to earn $38 million or more in its North American opening.

That’s a promising start for a musical, a genre that has struggled in recent times. From Warner Bros. and Harry Potter franchise producer David Heyman, Wonka is a whimsical origin tale about the magical candyman Willy Wonka, who was played by Gene Wilder in the classic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Audiences bestowed Wonka with an A- CinemaScore, while 60 percent of Friday ticket buyers were between the ages of 18 and 34. The largest quad was 18 to 24 at 33 percent, while another 10 percent of ticket buyers were between 13 and 17, underscoring Chalamet’s star status with younger moviegoers. Wonka is skewing slightly female so far, or 54 percent.

Directed by Paul King of Paddington fame and starring Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka,...

This post contains minor spoilers for "Wonka."

When Warner Bros. announced that they were going to make a prequel to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" focused on a young Willy Wonka, it felt like all of Hollywood's worst sensibilities wrapped in one neat little package. A seemingly unnecessary prequel driven by commercialism with a hip star -- in this case

Timothée Chalamet -- anchoring the whole thing to try and sell it to the masses. Yet, when "Paddington" director Paul King signed on to helm the project, it raised some eyebrows. Could the man beyond two of the most inescapably charming movies of the last decade work his magic here as well? The answer is largely yes. We're not here to discuss whether "Wonka" is as good as "Paddington" or anything like that, but it is worth pointing out that these movies do have a key element in common.

Both...

The Christmas season has officially kicked off at the box office, as Wonka sets out to warm moviegoers’ hearts with a whimsical origin tale about the iconic candyman from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

From Warner Bros. and Harry Potter franchise producer David Heyman, the musical started off its North American run late Thursday with a promising $3.5 million in preview grosses from 3,400 theaters (family films aren’t necessarily known for sporting huge preview grosses). Wonka matched the preview gross of box office sensation Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which opened to $35 million domestically.

Tracking suggests Wonka will likewise debut in the $35 million to $40 million range. By Friday, it will be playing in 4,203 locations, including Imax and all other premium large formats.

Directed by Paul King of Paddington fame and starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka, the movie features a star-studded ensemble cast also including Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key,...

Chicago – “Wonka” is a sweet, perhaps too sweet, musical origin story of the world famous cantankerous candy man. Timothée Chalomet has got a song in his heart and sweets up his sleeve in a movie that threatens to give old fashioned “family films” a good name once again.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Chalamet plays Wonka as a young illiterate dreamer who spends years sailing the world compiling ingredients from far and wide for his recipes. He arrives in London with 12 shillings in his pocket hoping to make it as Chocolatier by opening his own shop in the Galeries Gourmet. This is controlled by a Big Chocolate cartel headed up by the dastardly Slugworth (Paterson Joseph).

But the big city is no place for a trusting dreamer and he finds himself penniless and in indentured servitude to a dastardly laundry owner named Mrs Scrubbit (Olivia Coleman) and her lunkheaded henchman Bleacher (Tom Davis). You can lock up the man,...

They were all young once: Don Corleone and Darth Vader, Butch and Sundance, Hannibal and Leatherface, Maleficent and Cruella. And long before he was the world’s best-known chocolatier and distributor of life-changing golden tickets, William “Willy” Wonka was just a twentysomething kid with a top hat, a sweet tooth, and a dream.

For decades, we could only guess how the bright-eyed lad became the candymaker-in-chief. This is where Wonka comes in. A prequel that seeks to both fill in the blanks regarding Roald Dahl’s eccentric sugar pimp and...

Wonka North America Box Office Updates! (Picture Credit: IMDb)

Timothée Chalamet is taking over the baton from Johnny Depp and is all set to entertain us with Wonka. The musical fantasy was released in the UK and other circuits on December 8, 2023, and is set to hit the North American theatres this Friday. Early box office projections are out, and it looks like the Paul King directorial will stay behind Dune.

Last Friday, the film debuted in over 30 overseas circuits, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, and Germany, among others. It made a fantastic start with a box office collection of $43.2 million in the opening weekend. It is set to be released in 40 new international circuits this weekend.

Wonka Box Office Opening Weekend Projections (North America)

Wonka is set to debut in 4,150 locations, including IMAX and other premium formats in North America. As per a report by Variety, Timothée Chalamet led...

To celebrate the release of Wonka, which is now in UK cinemas and next week in the US, we had the pleasure of chatting with some cast and filmmakers about the magical new prequel to the 1971 classic.

We reviewed the film – and Loved it.

Based on the extraordinary character at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book is one of the best-selling children’s books ever. From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream,...

Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Freya Parker, Keegan-Michael Key, Colin O’Brien, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Charlotte Ritchie, Phil Wang | Written by Paul King, Simon Farnaby | Directed by Paul King

Paul King has worked some of his Paddington heart and magic to create a world of pure imagination. With a story that feels closer to the hearts and souls of a newer generation, than to the ones that grew up watching Gene Wilder, Wonka is for a new age to enjoy some sweet treats.

When it was announced Paul King would be at the helm of the Wonka origin story, I breathed a sigh of relief. If there is anyone working in Hollywood today who understands how to tell a wonderfully heartwarming tale while showing brilliant cinematic language, it’s Paul King. Through his previous two films (Paddington and Paddington 2...

Calah Lane as Noodle and TIMOTHÉE Chalamet as Willy Wonka in ‘Wonka (Photo © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)

The joyous strains of “Pure Imagination” lead into an equally joyous celebration of life – and chocolate – in Warner Bros Pictures’ Wonka. Movie fans could have had a one-two Timothée Chalamet punch if Dune 2 hadn’t been pulled from the theatrical release calendar. But for now, Chalamaniacs will have to settle for seeing the ever-charming actor light up the screen in the prequel to 1971’s Willa Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

Chalamet is no Gene Wilder, but then again, no one can fill Wilder’s shoes. Not even Johnny Depp came close in 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Still, comparisons aside, Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name) proved to be an excellent choice to play the overly optimistic chocolatier with huge dreams and an even bigger heart.

The film opens...

Paddington director Paul King works his magic with this unashamedly sweet-toothed musical imagining the formative years of Roald Dahl’s chocolatier showman

The director Paul King, the magician behind the two Paddington movies and now Wonka, has a formula. Sweet-natured, sweet-toothed dreamers arrive in a strange land where they are forced to overcome adversity by employing, among other things, their passion and skill for creating sugar-based foodstuffs. King’s trademark box-of-delights storytelling approach combines showy, gymnastically agile editing and a disarmingly handmade, artisanal quality to the production design. At times, his films can venture a little too far towards a quirky, Etsy shop aesthetic, but for the most part, the alchemic King’s approach continues to create gold. Wonka is an effervescent pleasure – an endlessly, intricately charming treasure trove of a movie. And overall, Timothée Chalamet’s fresh-faced take on the central character – bringing a puckish innocence and spry, light-footed...

This Weekend’s What To Watch List Is A Cinematic Mix of Laughter, Thrills, and Festive Surprises(Photo Credit –IMDb)

In this week’s cinematic lineup, viewers can anticipate a diverse range of releases, from the festive cheer of “Merry Little Batman” to the suspenseful drama of “Leave the World Behind” and the heart-stopping, horror-inducing narrative of “Thanksgiving.” However, it’s worth noting a somewhat unexpected scarcity of Christmas-focused movies in this listicle. Despite the historical trend of feel-good holiday films during this season, the current offerings showcase an intriguing mix of genres, encompassing not only Christmas tales but also comedy, action, thriller, and horror. The cinematic choices are indeed varied, ensuring a plethora of options for audiences seeking entertainment beyond the traditional yuletide fare.

Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, adrenaline-pumping action, spine-chilling thrills, or heartwarming moments, this listicle unveils a cinematic smorgasbord that goes beyond the anticipated Christmas movie lineup.

Wonka Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Matthew Baynton, Tom Davis, Rich Fulcher, Rakhee Thakrar

Director: Paul King

Wonka Movie Review Out! ( Photo Credit – IMDb )

What’s Good: Taking a different route from previous Wonkas to serve a fresh take on the iconic character

What’s Bad: The second half gets uneven and predictable

Loo Break: Only because you won’t be able to beat the temptation of taking a break to eat some good chocolate

Watch or Not?: As a fun-time watch this Holiday season!

Language: English

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 1 hour 56 minutes

User Rating:

Willy (Timothée Chalamet) is a 25-year-old who’s roaming around the world to perfect the recipe of chocolate from the past seven years. He arrives in London to make some money now that...

Enter this contest by following the link at the bottom of this page for your chance to win a pair of passes to attend an advance screening of Wonka on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 7:00pm at the Mjr Troy!

Synopsis: Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films, comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and...

Gene Wilder delivered such a perfectly eccentric performance in 1971's beloved classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" that it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp tried to make Roald Dahl's world their own back in 2005 with mixed results and a much more zany, quirky take on the character went in a much different direction. 

When it comes to "Wonka," director Paul King, best known for the delightful "Paddington" movies, attempts to bring a dose of joy and kindness to the chocolatey world of Willy Wonka with an origin story that finds Hollywood's young heartthrob Timothée Chalamet taking on the role of the young chocolatier as he tries to carve out a name for himself in the candy industry in a European town dominated by a chocolate cartel. Run by three titans of the industry, Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas), and...

Every fan of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971) loves the scene where Gene Wilder, as the mystical candy maker, takes his guests on a psychedelic tunnel ride, zooming through the bowels of the Chocolate Factory as he chants a little verse, getting angrier and more hysterical by the second. Wilder’s Wonka was a sweetheart, but he had a hidden maniacal side. And in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Tim Burton’s majestically wacked 2005 remake, Johnny Depp, then at the apex of his movie stardom, went full Depp, playing Wonka like some louche vampiristic cross between Anna Wintour and Michael Jackson.

But in “Wonka,” the fun, rousing, impeccably staged, jaw-droppingly old-fashioned musical prequel to the legendary Roald Dahl tale, Timothée Chalamet plays the title character as the beaming soul of effervescent goodness. His chocolate passion is there (he’s all but defined by it), but the kinks are gone...

Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant Photo: Warner Bros. The point of co-writer/director Paul King’s musically oriented origin story Wonka isn’t to answer the question of how a budding candy maker became the mercurial, withdrawn weirdo we met in the pages of Roald Dahl’s book Charlie And The Chocolate Factory...

In his Paddington movies, Paul King folded animation and live action together into delightful all-ages adventures, selling a message of community and acceptance with spry wit and disarming sweetness, not to mention Ben Whishaw’s impeccable voice work, imbuing the gentle ursine protagonist with genuine heart. Depending on your appetite for sugary excess, you might embrace the director’s Wonka as more of the same. Or you might find the qualities that distinguished his previous hits get steamrolled here by strained whimsy, an aggressive charm that wears you down rather than lifts you up.

Mercifully, we’re a long way from the garish nightmare of Tim Burton’s 2005 film of the Roald Dahl novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Timothée Chalamet as the young Willy Wonka is nothing like Johnny Depp’s creepy take on the role. But Chalamet has two settings here — he’s either beaming with almost manic exuberance,...

Timothée Chalamet, Hugh GrantPhoto: Warner Bros.

The point of co-writer/director Paul King’s musically oriented origin story Wonka isn’t to answer the question of how a budding candy maker became the mercurial, withdrawn weirdo we met in the pages of Roald Dahl’s book Charlie And The Chocolate Factory...

When it was first announced Warner Bros. was in the early stages of developing a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel about Willy Wonka’s rise to fame and fortune, it was clear that the producers didn’t have a handle on what, exactly, this iteration of the character should feel like. Actors suggested for the role varied in age and screen persona, with upstarts like Ezra Miller being considered alongside older vets like Ryan Gosling and Donald Glover––and although Timothée Chalamet makes much more sense age-wise for a prequel set 25 years before the events of Roald Dahl’s novel, Wonka never manages to overcome just how miscast its lead feels.

Chalamet’s recently spoken about heeding Tom Cruise’s advice and taking dance lessons––so few young stars have those basic Old Hollywood talents––and this has the air of a project he boarded purely to put such skills to use.

Paul King’s Paddington and Paddington 2 are funny, delightfully inventive, and free of the snarky humor that dominates most kiddie fare. With Wonka, the latest rendition of the adventures of Roald Dahl’s eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka, King offers more of the same. But in returning to the psychedelic, candy-fueled world that Dahl first introduced in 1964’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wonka also diverges in tone from both the book and the two subsequent films by Mel Stuart and Tim Burton, respectively, and does so to great effect.

Perhaps no one can top Gene Wilder’s uncanny performance as Wonka in Stuart’s 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Timothée Chalamet wisely doesn’t try to match the way that Wilder pivots from charming and merry to menacing and enraged on a dime, instead imbuing Wonka with a spiritedness befitting a prequel set years earlier, bringing a...

You might not be able to tell it from the trailers but Wonka, the latest movie inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic 1964 children’s story “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is, make no mistake about it, a full-on movie musical that I found to be more in the tradition of ’60s-era films like Oliver, Dr. Dolittle, Albert Finney’s Scrooge — basically a throwback to that kind of feel-good musical confection designed to be released during the year’s end.

Unlike 1971’s beloved (but not a hit initially) Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder, or Tim Burton’s darker 2005 take Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp, this version directed Paul King and co-written by King and Simon Farnaby is an origin story of how Willy Wonka came to be Wonka, the magician, inventor and chocolate maker extraordinaire. Both previous films certainly have their legions of fans,...