Gene Wilder still thinks Tim Burton's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is an "insult," good day, sir
Ever since Tim Burton’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory was announced, Gene Wilder has responded by pretty much being the living incarnation of that Gene Wilder meme. (“Oh, you’re remaking one of my timeless classics? Please tell me more about your boundless imagination.”) In 2005, Wilder told the Telegraph, “It’s all about money. It's just some people sitting around thinking: 'How can we make some more money?' Why else would you remake Willy Wonka? I don't see the point of going back and doing it all over again.” And, as those who saw the 80-year-old actor make a rare public appearance at New York’s 92Y discovered, the years since certainly haven’t softened that opinion. “I think it’s an insult,” Wilder said of the film. “It’s probably Warner Bros.’ insult.” Wilder added, “Johnny Depp, I think, is a good actor, but I don't care for that director. He's a talented man, but I don't care for him doing stuff like he did.” Upon hearing Wilder’s gently spoken, sincerely expressed words, Burton and Depp immediately set about redoing them in a sillier voice and with more makeup.