Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka

Things We Saw Today: Happy Anniversary to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

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As someone who loved the Roald Dahl series about Charlie Bucket and the mysterious Willy Wonka, I grew up loving everything that Gene Wilder did with Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. While not a perfect adaptation of the book, it was a look into the world of the famous chocolatier and one that terrified and inspired children for generations. And today marks the 50th anniversary of the film!

To celebrate 50 years, the children of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory got together to talk about the film, their memories on set, and those cast members they lost. And of course talking about the man himself, Gene Wilder!

I, like many my age, have a fascination with Gene Wilder because of Willy Wonka. Granted, I also loved Young Frankenstein as a kid but it started the minute he faked a limp and then rolled to great the Golden Ticket winners of his chocolate contest. I was fascinated by this world and it’s clearly a story that still inspires so many and so happy 50th to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Thank you for making it impossible for me to hear “Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three” without crying.

(image: Paramount Pictures)

Here are some other stories we saw out there today:

  • Black Panther 2 has entered production and aims to honor Chadwick Boseman’s legacy. (via Syfy)
  • Amber Ruffin wants you to know that there are Black towns under water. (via Pajiba)

Anything we missed, Mary Suevians? Let us know what you saw in the comments below!

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Rachel Leishman
Rachel Leishman (She/Her) is an Assistant Editor at the Mary Sue. She's been a writer professionally since 2016 but was always obsessed with movies and television and writing about them growing up. A lover of Spider-Man and Wanda Maximoff's biggest defender, she has interests in all things nerdy and a cat named Benjamin Wyatt the cat. If you want to talk classic rock music or all things Harrison Ford, she's your girl but her interests span far and wide. Yes, she knows she looks like Florence Pugh. She has multiple podcasts, normally has opinions on any bit of pop culture, and can tell you can actors entire filmography off the top of her head. Her current obsession is Glen Powell's dog, Brisket. Her work at the Mary Sue often includes Star Wars, Marvel, DC, movie reviews, and interviews.