A prequel to my fave 70's film Willy Wonka is in the works! They're considering making the lead character (Gene Wilder's character) female. Thoughts?

If the female is an original character who doesn't contradict anything the book established, then yes, I think it's fine. If she's actually supposed to be Willy Wonka himself, then no. It sounds from what you're saying like she's not meant to be Willy Wonka himself, only the former owner of the chocolate factory. Mind you, it's been a while since I read the book, but I do remember having the impression that Willy Wonka started the chocolate factory himself, not that it was given to him by the previous owner the way he gave it to Charlie. Most importantly of all, though, you'd want this new character to come across as genuine, and not like she was shoehorned in there so they can have some woman, for the sake of political correctness!

I think it sounds like a fine idea, but I'm afraid that this wouldn't end well. Roald Dahl, the author of Willy Wonka, was critical of the Gene Wilder film that most people loved. (He complained that Willy Wonka overshadowed Charlie who was supposed to be the story's protagonist). He even banned anybody from ever adapting the sequel book he wrote. I'd imagine that he wouldn't want his Willy Wonka story adapted unless it was completely faithful to his work.

Tbh i'm not sure.I suppose it depends on the storyline and what they intend her role to be.I will have to watch it and then air my views on whether I think it works or not :)

OMG this political correctness is ruining every movie old new and remakes!!! STOP PLEASE!!!!!