Is Johnny Depp’s Willy Wonka based on Michael Jackson?
Johnny Depphas denied that his interpretation of Willy Wonka in Tim Burton’s 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was based on Michael Jackson. Instead, he was inspired by children’s TV show entertainers from his childhood.
However, it is interesting to note that Michael Jackson had apparently been so keen to star as Willy Wonka in Burton’s film that he recorded a soundtrack for the film.
The studio chose not to cast Michael Jackson as Willy Wonka. They did offer him a small part, but in the end it was not meant to be.