Step into a world of pure imagination, and you might find yourself in… Watford? For the whimsical movie ‘Wonka’, director Paul King and Timothée Chalamet, alongside the production team, transformed real-world locations into the enchanting Galeries Gourmet and beyond. While Leavesden Studios, famously known as Hogwarts’ home in the ‘Harry Potter’ series, served as a primary base, the movie’s fantastical realm extended far beyond studio walls.
Production designer Nathan Crowley, an Oscar nominee, revealed that crafting ‘Wonka’s fairy tale aesthetic was a blend of movie magic and clever location choices. Real-life UK locations were seamlessly interwoven with studio sets through invisible cuts, visual effects (VFX), and matte paintings, creating an unexpectedly expansive and believable world.
‘The town’s name is purposely unscripted,’ Crowley explained, emphasizing the desire for a timeless, almost European feel. Despite scouting extensively across Europe, the perfect Roald Dahl-esque city remained elusive. This led to the decision to construct a significant portion of the town at Leavesden Studios. However, the charm and authenticity were significantly boosted by filming in various picturesque locations throughout the UK.
Let’s explore the real-life UK locations that brought the magic of ‘Wonka’ to life, guided by Nathan Crowley’s insights.
Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs: A Touch of Collegiate Charm
Oxford, with its time-honored architecture, frequently graces period dramas and coming-of-age stories. In ‘Wonka’, the city lends its prestigious atmosphere, prominently featuring Radcliffe Camera and the iconic Hertford Bridge, affectionately known as the Bridge of Sighs. Crowley described Oxford as the ‘connective tissue’ for ‘Wonka’s world, providing a sense of established history and grandeur.
Director Paul King, during pre-production scouting in Oxford, was particularly captivated by the Bridge of Sighs’ comedic potential. This led to the memorable gag where a giraffe humorously ducks under the bridge, perfectly blending the fantastical with the familiar.
Mapledurham, Berkshire: Whispers of Wonka’s Childhood
Mapledurham, a tranquil village with a cinematic history including ‘The Eagle Has Landed’, returned to the silver screen in ‘Wonka’ to depict Willy Wonka’s formative years. Crowley highlighted the village’s serene setting: ‘We filmed a lot of the flashbacks and childhood stuff here.’ The River Thames and its canals, adorned with graceful willow trees, provided a picturesque backdrop for scenes depicting Willy’s early life with his mother.
Lyme Regis, Dorset: Setting Sail into Wonka’s World
The Dorset harbor town of Lyme Regis marked the beginning of Willy Wonka’s adventure. The town’s harbor, instantly recognizable by the curving stone Cobb, stood in for the fictional Roald Dahl city’s port. This location choice also subtly nodded to cinematic history, as Timothée Chalamet followed in the footsteps of Meryl Streep, who filmed ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ in Lyme Regis in 1981.
Crowley recalled his location scouting, stating, ‘I knew we had to open the film at a port in the fictional Roald Dahl city, and I’ve always liked Lyme Regis because of “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”.’ The Cobb’s unique and beautiful curve provided the perfect visual introduction to Wonka’s world.
The Colonnade, Bath: Georgian Elegance by the Avon
Beyond Oxford, the city of Bath played a significant role in shaping ‘Wonka’s visual identity, even influencing set design with its distinctive Bath stone. ‘When Willy walks down to Scrubbit and Bleacher along the water, that’s the Bath Colonnade next to the Avon,’ Crowley pointed out. This elegant Georgian architecture provided a sophisticated and timeless atmosphere for key scenes. Interestingly, the humpback bridge leading to Scrubbit and Bleacher was a studio creation, showcasing the blend of real locations and set design. Crowley aptly described his role as a production designer as piecing together a ‘jigsaw puzzle of things to connect.’
A vintage Routemaster bus near St Paul's Cathedral in London, highlighting the urban filming location for Wonka.
St Paul’s Cathedral, London: A Secret Entrance in the City
Director Paul King, familiar with St Paul’s Cathedral from ‘Paddington 2’, returned to this iconic London landmark for ‘Wonka’. St Paul’s served as the clandestine entrance to the chocolate cartel’s headquarters. Crowley explained the choice: ‘It has such a hard-edged elegance that fitted the chocolate cartel.’ While the imposing exterior King’s Door was constructed at Leavesden, stepping through it in the movie transported viewers directly into St Paul’s interior. Even the confessional booth scene utilized St Paul’s, with a set replica built for scenes requiring the elevator.
Rivoli Ballroom, Brockley: A Swinging Post-Credit Surprise
South East London’s Rivoli Ballroom, a beautifully preserved 1950s venue, is no stranger to the film industry, having appeared in ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Legend’. ‘Wonka’ adds another credit to its filmography with a cameo in a post-credits scene. The Rivoli Ballroom hosts a comeback performance by the fictional struggling comedian Larry Chucklesworth. Despite the brief filming duration, Crowley affirmed its value: ‘We were just there for a day… it’s a pretty good location.’
Eltham Palace, another London location, known for its ‘Poirot’ connections, provided the setting for Slugworth’s office and secret ledgers, further enriching the film’s diverse location palette. Crowley emphasized the art of blending locations seamlessly, noting, ‘The trick is not to let the audience get distracted by the design.’
Verulamium Park, St. Albans: Zoo Adventures in Green Spaces
Verulamium Park in St Albans offered the expansive landscapes needed for the zoo scenes in ‘Wonka’. This parkland allowed King and Crowley to create sweeping shots of the zoo, a fairground, and a snow-covered cityscape at night. ‘The draw in St Albans was the lake,’ Crowley mentioned, highlighting the park’s natural features. While the zoo itself and the Galeries Gourmet roof were constructed on soundstages, St Albans provided the vital outdoor space. The town also benefited directly from the production, receiving a £41,000 location fee, according to BBC reports.
A Sweet Reception for Wonka
Early reactions to ‘Wonka’ have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have lauded the film’s charm, imaginative storytelling, and delightful villains. Time Out praised its ‘pure imagination’, while Vanity Fair noted the film’s ability to blend Dahl’s signature darkness with heartwarming elements. The Guardian hailed it as a ‘superbly sweet treat’ and ‘an absolute Christmas treat’. While The Hollywood Reporter offered a slightly more tempered view, finding the optimism ‘wearying’, the general consensus points to ‘Wonka’ being a delightful and visually stunning cinematic experience.
‘Wonka’ invites audiences into a world crafted with meticulous detail, blending the magic of studio sets with the charm of real UK locations, creating a truly imaginative and captivating film.
