"Wonka 2" Is Not Dead, Warner Bros. and Writer Clarify

A “Wonka” sequel is still moving forward, according to both the film’s original screenwriter and Warner Bros., after an interview created the opposite impression.

The confusion began Friday when Variety published an interview with English writer and actor Simon Farnaby, who co-wrote the 2023 hit alongside director Paul King. Asked about the status of a sequel starring Timothée Chalamet, Farnaby said, “He wants to do one, but he’s not sure about timing or what he wants to do next,” a comment widely interpreted as suggesting the follow-up had stalled indefinitely.

Farnaby moved quickly to correct that impression, posting on social media that his remarks had been taken slightly out of context. “I 100% did not say ‘Wonka 2’ wasn’t happening,” he wrote. “A sequel was always the plan. Everyone is working really hard on it. WB are committed. There is a great script by Paul and I.” He added that Chalamet remains interested in returning and that the delay comes down to coordinating schedules rather than any lack of commitment, calling it a process that simply takes time.

A Warner Bros. spokesperson echoed that message, stating that reports of a delay were entirely false and that the creative team behind “Wonka” remains hard at work on the next installment.

Chalamet’s packed schedule has been cited as the primary obstacle, with reporting suggesting the actor has nothing definitively lined up as his next project following the conclusion of the “Dune” franchise, whose final installment arrives in theaters Dec. 18. King first confirmed a sequel was in active development in November 2024. Farnaby and King have also been approached to consult with new writers Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell on a fourth “Paddington” film, a franchise already greenlit for another installment.

The original “Wonka” grossed $634.5 million worldwide against a $125 million budget and earned Chalamet a Golden Globe nomination.