12 Things You Should Know About Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) | © Warner Bros.
Ellie Griffiths

One of Roald Dahl’s most loved stories, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has come to life in the minds of readers, and in film – twice. First published in 1964, this story about a little boy, Charlie – finding one of Willy Wonka’s Golden Tickets and heading out on a journey of a lifetime to the Chocolate Factory – has touched the hearts of many, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
1. The story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was originally a bedtime story Dahl made up for his first two children, Olivia and Tessa.

2. The book was first published in September 1964 and was said to have brought ‘sheer joy’ to all who bought the 10,000 copies within the first week.
3. Roald Dahl wanted the first edition to be illustrated by Maurice Sendak – a relatively unknown artist at the time. He was, however, too busy working on another book.

Mr Wonka & Charlie

4. Archived in the Roald Dahl Museum and the Story Centre in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire are five drafts of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – originally called Charlie’s Chocolate Boy. Within the early drafts,one featured Charlie as one of ten children chosen instead of the known five, whilst another saw Charlie falling into a chocolate mould.
5. In 1971, a postman from Nebraska, claiming to be a real-life Willy Wonka, wrote to Dahl; these letters revealed Dahl’s inspiration for the name of the character from his elder brother’s boomerang named Skilly Wonka.

Mr Wonka & Charlie

6. Mr Willy Wonka was first known as Mr Ritchie, whilst the Oopma-Loompas were originally known as the Whipple-Scrumpets until the very last moment.
7. Having attended school at Repton Public School in Derbyshire, Dahl’s love for chocolate increased as the students were sent chocolate from Cadbury to taste-test. This resulted in Dahl dreaming of inventing a new chocolate bar and influenced the stories of Charlie.
8. The 1971 film adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was at the request of director Mel Stuart’s daughter, Madeline, who read the book three times and wanted it to become a film.

9. Dahl wanted either Peter Sellers or Spike Milligan to play Wonka in the 1971 film. However, Stuart and Wolper wanted all-Tony-Award-winning stage actor Joel Grey; however, after the audition of Gene Wilder, they knew they found Wonka.
10. It was said that Dahl disliked the film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), due to the large emphasis on Wonka instead of Charlie. As a result, he blocked any more films from being created during his lifetime.

Willy Wonka & Oompa Loompa’s 1971 film adaptation

11. For the 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film adaptation by Tim Burton, Nestle provided 1,850 bars of real chocolate to be featured and used in the production of the movie.
12. Dahl had intended to write a third book, Charlie Bucket and the White House; however, it was not finished before his death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFVGCUIXJls

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article