Summary

• A Wonka 2 announcements seems inevitable after the first movie's impressive box office performance.
• Chalamet's multi-year deal with Warner Bros. could include working on Wonka 2, making it a smart move for all parties involved.
• While the directors and actors seem open to a Wonka 2, it's unclear when Warner Bros. could officially green-light the film.

Timothée Chalamet has signed a new deal with Warner Bros., and it feels like a Wonka 2 announcement must be on the horizon. The past few years have been massively successful for Chalamet, as the actor starred as Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuve's two-part epic, Dune, and played the lead role in 2023's Wonka. The latter highlighted his range, allowing Chalamet to show off his singing talents in addition to his acting skills. It's no wonder the movie got so much attention, with Wonka even smashing a huge record with its box office streak.

Given that Wonka serves as a prequel of sorts to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, there's been discussion about whether Warner Bros. will green-light a sequel. Wonka broke a 60-year Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tradition by showing its lead character in his youth rather than covering his older, more bitter self. Wonka 2 could reveal more about what changes Chalamet's character — and the follow-up seems inevitable at this point.

Wonka 2 Would Be A Smart Move After Wonka's $632 Million Box Office

A Follow-Up Makes Financial Sense For Warner Bros.

A Wonka 2 announcement seems likely for multiple reasons, the first of them being the original film's box office success. Wonka made a grand total of $632 million at the worldwide box office (via Box Office Mojo), an impressive feat, especially against its $125 million production budget. There are many reasons Wonka's box office was so good, even during its $151 million opening weekend. Chalamet's star power, positive reviews, and the circumstances surrounding its December release all contributed to Wonka's stellar performance. Of course, it's also a high-quality film that puts a fun spin on an already well-known franchise.

Considering how profitable Wonka was for Warner Bros., green-lighting a sequel seems like a smart idea for the studio.

Considering how profitable Wonka was for Warner Bros., green-lighting a sequel seems like a smart idea for the studio. The original film has already proven that a moderate budget combined with a talented cast and unique approach can draw crowds. There's little doubt that Wonka 2 can use the same strategy to recreate its predecessor's success. With that in mind, it's hard to see why Warner Bros. wouldn't capitalize on the popularity of the 2023 film with a sequel.

Timothée Chalamet's Warner Bros. Deal Could Be Tied To Wonka 2

It Could Be 1 Of The Movies He Works On Under The Agreement

In addition to Wonka 2 making sense for Warner Bros. financially, it works perfectly with the studio's new deal with Chalamet. It's clear the actor is a draw for any film that he appears in, and Chalamet cemented his A-list status through his multi-year deal to produce and star in movies for Warner Bros. (via Variety). With Chalamet officially attached to more projects from the studio, Wonka 2 could easily be one of the films he works as part of this agreement. It's possible he could even help on the creative end of the sequel in addition to starring in it.

While the studio's agreement will likely see new roles for Chalamet as well, his return as Willy Wonka seems like a no-brainer for all parties.

Even if Chalamet just reprises his role as the title character in Wonka 2, it seems like the most plausible project to kick off his agreement with Warner Bros. The actor reportedly made over $8 million for his involvement in the first film. With Dune 3 still a long way off, a Wonka sequel is the perfect way for Warner Bros. to take advantage of its new deal and maximize an existing property. While the studio's agreement will likely see new roles for Chalamet as well, his return as Willy Wonka seems like a no-brainer for all parties.

What Chalamet & Others Have Said About The Status Of Wonka 2

Everyone Seems Open To The Idea Of A Sequel

Although Wonka director Paul King and Chalamet aren't pushing particularly hard for a sequel, they both seem open to the idea of a follow-up, assuming there's a good reason for it. During an interview with ET Online, Chalamet admitted that he'd be on board for Wonka 2 "if there was a story to be told." The actor then added, "And evidently there is," before referencing how much his character changes from the 2023 film to the traditional Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story. He's right that there's more to explore about the candy maker's evolution, and it's exciting that he seems game to go there.

King also told ComicBook.com that a sequel is "something we're thinking about," though the director is satisfied with the 2023 film as a standalone as well. He seems to be approaching Wonka 2 as a possibility rather than a necessity, but as Chalamet points out, there's definitely more to tap into. "Of course there are some ideas sloshing around," King told ComicBook.com, "but we don't have a story yet, so we'll see what happens." This could mean that an official announcement for Wonka 2 is still a while away, but it's always possible the creators will come up with something and move forward more quickly.

If that does happen, there's a perfect opportunity for Warner Bros. to announce Wonka 2 in the very near future. Of course, it's just as likely the studio will wait a while before making a sequel official. And that's assuming it happens at all. As King says, the movie could easily remain a standalone. That feels less likely after the past few months, but it's ultimately up to the studio and creative team to move forward with this story.

When Warner Bros. Could Officially Announce Wonka 2

CinemaCon Offers An Opportunity

As for when Warner Bros. could officially announce Wonka 2, the studio has a prime opportunity with CinemaCon coming up in early April. The beloved movie event will take place from April 8-11, featuring announcements and footage from a number of major studios. Warner Bros. could take advantage of CinemaCon to confirm a Wonka sequel. As the event is taking place so soon after its Chalamet deal was announced, it feels like the perfect time for such a reveal.

If Warner Bros. decides to wait on Wonka 2, the studio could just as easily announce the film when it has a better idea of what's happening. Deals will need to be signed before Warner Bros. makes an official statement, and judging by King's recent comments, they may not be there yet. As it's only been a few months since Wonka hit theaters, a follow-up could be green-lit later this year or even sometime after that. Those eagerly awaiting Wonka 2 shouldn't get their hopes up too high. However, given its box office potential and Warner Bros.' deal with Chalamet, they should stay on the lookout for more information.