After late actor Gene Wilder played the iconic role of Willy Wonka in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, it became almost impossible for people to imagine anyone else in that position. Turning the cult classic movie into a timeless epic that still remains a children’s staple in Hollywood, Wilder created an endearing appeal that lasted generations.
But buckle up to hear a piece of shocking information about the fan-favorite actor. In a segment from the 2001 documentary Pure Imagination, Gene Wilder revealed how he almost refused to work unless he was guaranteed one particular shot. Well, the scene in question is a classic one which set the tone for the film and turned into a favorite sequence for many viewers.
Gene Wilder Almost Refused to Play Willy Wonka
Watching Gene Wilder glide around in his iconic purple velvet coat and puffy bow tie as Willy Wonka in the 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory had certainly been an integral part of our childhood. His captivating performance as a favorite candy man character for kids, while disappearing children to their deaths in the movie, was truly exceptional.
But while Gene Wilder brought the seemingly gentle personality covering up for his tricksy nature as Willy Wonka with utmost flawlessness, he initially refused to be a part of the movie. According to a snippet from the 2001 documentary Pure Imagination shared via Instagram, the late actor is heard confessing how he almost refused the role unless he was guaranteed one particular shot.
Realizing from the very beginning that the brilliance of Willy Wonka lies in this complicated persona, Gene Wilder thus insisted upon creating one of the film’s most memorable moments. He was apparently so adamant about his stipulation that Wilder even claimed that he wouldn’t take the part if he wasn’t allowed to film it.
Gene Wilder Had One Stipulation to Appear in the 1971 Film
Like any good actor studying for a role, even Gene Wilder went through the depths of his character and came up with a vision for Willy Wonka in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. While his takeaway from Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory proved his skills as an actor, he actually had to fight for his one demand.
“I don’t know if you know this, but I wouldn’t have done the film if they didn’t let me come out walking as a cripple, and then getting my cane stuck into a cobblestone and then doing a forward somersault and then bouncing up and they all applauded.”
Well, this was apparently Gene Wilder’s famous demand from the director. This particular scene in the movie remains undoubtedly timeless as we are introduced to Willy Wonka with a cane in hand, looking all old and fragile. Further, in the sequence, his cane gets stuck in the cobblestone street leading him to take a few unaided steps followed by an effortless somersault.
“The director said, ‘what do you wanna do that for?’ and I said, ‘because from that point on, no one will know whether I’m telling the truth or lying.’ and he said, ‘you mean if I say no then you won’t do the film?’ and I said, ‘that’s right, I won’t’. And I meant it too. So, they let me do it.”
Explaining the reason behind his demand, Gene Wilder noted that he envisioned this particular scene in order to present Willy Wonka as deceptive from the very beginning. His brilliant idea not only laid the groundwork for his entire character but also turned the scene into what later became an iconic moment.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is available on Max.
