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Robin Williams was one of the most legendary actors and comedians in Hollywood. Despite his untimely death, his legacy is one that continues to go on. As a beloved actor, there was always someone who could sing his praises. Whether it is his fans or celebrities who got to know him along the way, there is no shortage of praise for him.
Much like any other actor, Williams also got some roles that came and went. There were some he wanted, and others that he rejected. One such role went to none other than Johnny Depp ultimately. With such massive talent, any role that made its way to the actor would have been a masterpiece. Ironically enough, it was not aPirates of the Caribbeanmovie, the franchise that Johnny Depp has become almost synonymous with.
Also Read:“I am allergic to spirit gum”: After Leaving Robin Williams Disappointed, Jack Nicholson Got into a Nightmare Spot in Michael Keaton’s Batman Movie
Robin Williams Almost Became Willy Wonka
Johnny Depphas some of the most iconic roles in Hollywood. From Jack Sparrow to Gellert Grindelwald, there are various roles that he has done that can perhaps never be replaced. One role in particular almost becameRobin Williams‘.Charlie and the Chocolate Factorywas one movie that shows Johnny Depp in perhaps the most fun way possible. Willy Wonka has been embraced by the actor as Depp has been embraced by his character. However, the role almost went to Williams instead.
Williams was one of Tim Burton’s top choices to hire as Willy Wonka and he was rather eager to do the same as well. Burton was not someone who was hesitant to explore just who would be fitting to play the iconic character and to rule out an iconic comedic genius like theMrs. Doubtfireactor wouldn’t have been logical. However, Williams was not the only one considered for the role.
Also Read:“Just have a backup profession like welding”: Robin Williams Did Not Get the Most Encouraging Response From His Father After He Wished to Be an Actor
Dwayne Johnson’s Attempt to Become Willy Wonka
Dwayne Johnsononce revealed that for 2005’sCharlie and the Chocolate Factory,he was almost considered for the same role Robin Williams and Johnny Depp also had their eyes on. He was in fact the second choice for the role.
In anInstagram postdated 16 June 2025, The Rock shared:
“Back in the early 2000’s, iconic director Tim Burton had considered me to play Willy Wonka is his remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.I remember thinking, ‘holy sh*t I’m in.’
But that was many years ago when I was just starting out in Hollywood with no foundation of global box office strength or any real acting experience to even pull it off. The role, of course went to Johnny Depp, who at that time was the biggest star in the world. The rest was history.”
Much like Williams, he too was left out of the movie. However, seeing just how amazing of a performance Depp provided the audience with, no one was complaining. Although he was sad to have never gotten the part, Johnson was overjoyed to be considered for the role since he was only a beginner in the industry at that time.
Timothée Chalamet will soon be taking over the role as the first trailer forWonkahas been released as well.
Also Read:“I’ve probably made a terrible mistake”: Keira Knightley Was Convinced Johnny Depp’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Was Going to be a Terrible Movie
Source:Far Out Magazine
Adya Godboley
Anime Content Manager
Articles Published :1879
Adya Godboley is the Anime Content Lead at FandomWire with over 1800 published articles. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic with a background in literature. From The Case Study of Vanitas to Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, her anime knowledge is one she’s gathered with years of experience. She also enjoys Marvel, DC and Superhero media with her works having been recognized by prominent figures such as Dwayne Johnson, Abby Trott and the Blood of Zeus creators.
