Actors can get candid about their careers, but not always when a film is about to be released. In a rather unconventional manner, Hugh Grant had some negative things to say about his time as an Oompa Loompa in Wonka. In a press conference, he talked about how much he “hated” being in the mocap suit. The film does not release worldwide until December 15.
Hugh Grant Expresses His Distaste Playing an Oompa Loompa in Wonka
The actor had quite a few things to say about his time on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel. Alongside other cast members, he was asked about his experience. As reported by Metro, he went on to talk about how he “made a big fuss about” being in a mocap suit as his whole performance became CGI. He “couldn’t have hated the whole thing more.”
The situation made it difficult for him to act. He did not know what to do with his “body,” which he described as “terrible.” Being in the suit was uncomfortable as he described it as “a crown of thorns.” Hugh Grant felt being an Oompa Loompa should have “been fun, but that was done by the animator.”
A filming experience is one thing, but often, some actors see the full vision once they see the final film. For Hugh Grant, despite his feelings toward his time as an Oompa Loompa, he thinks that it may not have led to a great movie. When asked if it was worth it, he shrugged and said, “Not really,” which prompted a laugh from his co-stars.
Wonka sees a reunion of director Paul King (Paddington) and the actor. For King, he wanted someone who “could be a real sh–.” When he came to the realization of who he should cast, he explained that it was “because he’s the funniest, most sarcastic sh–” that he had “ever met.”
Wonka will be released in theaters on December 15. It stars Timothée Chalamet as the eponymous character and Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa, Lofty. They are joined by Olivia Colman (Broadchurch), Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), Ellie White (The Windsors), and Matt Lucas (The Great British Baking Show).
