Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (film) Palin (as well as the other three Monty Python members) had all previously expressed interest in playing Wonka in the 1971 film adaptation. Johnny Depp was the only actor Burton considered for the role, although Dwayne Johnson was Burton's second choice in case Depp was unavailable. Depp signed on without reading the script under the intention of going with a completely different approach than what Gene Wilder did in the 1971 film adaptation. Depp said regardless of the original film, Gene Wilder's characterization of Willy Wonka stood out as a unique portrayal. Depp and Burton derived their Willy Wonka from
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (musical) Letter From Charlie Bucket"). The next day before he goes to school, he finds out that Wonka has hidden five Golden Tickets inside five Wonka Bars and that the people who find the tickets will win a tour of the factory and a lifetime supply of candy. Unfortunately, Charlie's mother admits that money, is tighter than usual and she cannot afford to buy him his annual birthday candy bar, leaving Charlie saddened at the fact that he has no chance of winning the contest. Grandpa Joe says he would gladly pay for one using his funeral savings, and Charlie's mood