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As to be expected, the corperate giant Warner Bros. Entertainment is cashing in on the heartbreaking loss of beloved actor Gene Wilder. Wilder's most notable film was Willy Wonka which scored four million in the box office and captured the hearts of many, now regarded as a classic. Subsequently after Wilder died (Aug 29, 2016) Warner Bros. made the executive decision to start work on a prequel.
This is to be expected as Warner Bros knows well that this next movie will sell tremendously, thanks to the unfortunate loss. Fans are furious as stated in an article by SMH, "On Twitter, one film editor called it an "insult to Gene Wilder's legacy" while others suggested it would "sully" his character." Another fan writes, "How do you dishonour the memory of Gene Wilder? Announce a remake that nobody has asked for or wanted. Well done Warner Bros. You idiots."
Ironically, though this move does not make Warner Bros idiots, it actually makes them an economically smart corporation. A respectable move? No, but this kind of stuff happens all of the time, and with business and profit in mind this makes Warner Bros. smart.
This also begs the question as to why Warner Bros would do something so insensitive? This is obviously a cash grab so what gives? Well, as cynical as all of this is, you can't expect anything better from a company. Sure, the movies bring you tears and full your heart but that isn't by the hand of the production company, the only interest in the company is the money. The emotional pull is left to the creatives down on set. It's all structured and thought out and as many complain about the lack of new content and overabundance of prequels or sequels, this won't change unless the consumers do. Warner Bros. is concerned about the profit and if profit has been seen to lie in prequels and sequels then that will be the types of movies made, especially since less and less are going to theaters. Additionally, the decision to make this film is a trade-off; Warner Bros. now cannot make a new, original film as many have been crying for.
