> Skip to content

Article  •  1 December 2023

 

Get ready to meet a whole new side of Willy Wonka

Everything you need to know about the new Willy Wonka movie and book.

In case you missed it, the new Willy Wonka movie starring Timothée Chalamet, Wonka, premiered in London earlier this week.

The movie tells a whimsical backstory about the life of Willy Wonka. Coming out just in time for Christmas, the film will impress fans of Roald Dahl's classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory while introducing new fans to the magical world of all things Wonka.  

The new Willy Wonka Movie

The new Willy Wonka movie, aptly titled Wonka, premieres in Australia on 14 December, just in time for the holiday season.

The details: 

  • Rating: PG
  • Cast:
    • Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka
    • Olivia Colman as Mrs Scrubbit
    • Hugh Grant as Lofty
    • Paterson Joseph as Slugworth
    • Sally Hawkins as Willy’s Mother
    • Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius
  • Run time: 1 hour, 52 minutes
  • Written by: Simon Farnaby and Paul King

The WONKA book

WONKA book cover.

WONKA by Sibéal Pounder, Roald Dahl, Paul King and Simon Farnaby

In line with the movie, there will also be a tie-in novel. Alongside the film’s creators, Paul King and Simon Farnaby, the book was written by children’s author Sibéal Pounder. Coming out just a few days before the movie lands in theatres, readers will get early insight into the story before watching it on the big screen.

Set in the world of Roald Dahl, the full-length novel tells where Wonka began. Exploring the origin story of the great inventor, magician and chocolate maker, the book traces Willy Wonka’s life and career – explaining how he changed the world one delectable bite at a time.

Watch the trailer

Pre-order WONKA now to secure your copy ahead of the book's publication on 11 December 2023. 

Feature Title

Wonka
The story of where Wonka began - the incredible new full-length novel set in the world of Roald Dahl, based on the upcoming December 2023 film.
Read more

More features

See all
Article
Books to keep older kids busy this Easter

Easter is almost here – and there is no better gift to give than a book! Learn more about some of the best books to gift older readers.

Article
4 books that will immerse you in the world of Willy Wonka

Four books featuring the master chocolatier to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Article
A new film is coming out, all about the life of Emily Brontë

And it’s the perfect excuse to re-read her works.

Article
5 of the best Austen-inspired film adaptations to watch after the new Persuasion

Have you recently watched the new Persuasion adaptation on Netflix? Did it leave you hungry for more Austen? Check out five of the best Jane Austen film adaptations to watch next.

News
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story announced

'I made a film with some friends about a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse – their journey together and the boy’s search for home. I hope this book gives you courage and makes you feel loved.' Love Charlie x

Article
Sofie Laguna on the voice that led her to The Underworld

A furious, brilliant woman stepped from the pages of a notebook – and inspired Laguna’s new novel, The Underworld.

Article
QUIZ: Which character are you from What Have They Done to Liza McLean?

Take this quiz to find out whether you're a Meg, Liza or Benny – the key characters from the new YA psychological thriller.

Article
ABC Radio National's Top 100 Books of the 21st century

Check out the Penguin Random House titles that made the cut for ABC Radio National's 'Top 100 Books of the 21st century' list, as voted by over 280,000 readers.

Article
The Jack Reacher books in order

Want to read the Reacher series but not sure where to start? This guide will tell you how to read the Jack Reacher books in order, so you can start with book one and work your way through all thirty!

Article
A useful guide to the Jack Reacher books

Everything you need to know about the Jack Reacher books. Learn about Lee and Andrew Child, figure out which order to read them and quiz your Reacher knowledge.

Article
Booker Prize shortlist 2025

The shortlist for the 2025 Booker Prize has been announced, with four Penguin Random House titles named this year.

Article
QUIZ: What kind of mullet are you?

Take this quiz to find out what type of mullet you are, in honour of Nick Sharratt’s book, Mullets.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles