Wonka filming 'is halted for five days after one of the cast tests positive for Covid-19 as Timothee Chalamet and other stars self-isolate'
- A source said: 'Despite the strict protocols everyone had been abiding with, as soon as there was a positive test on Thursday the whole production shut down'
- They added: 'There's a huge amount of money tied up in filming so any delays can become incredibly costly'
- Scenes for the upcoming film were being shot at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire in the run up to Christmas
- Timothee stars alongside Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins and Matt Lucas
Production on Charlie And The Chocolate Factory prequel Wonka has reportedly been halted after one of the star's tested positive for Covid-19.
According to The Sun, filming has stopped for five days while the cast, including lead actor Timothee Chalamet, self-isolate.
A source said: 'Despite the strict Covid protocols everyone had been abiding with, as soon as there was a positive test on Thursday the whole production shut down immediately as bosses didn't want to take any chances.
Test: Production on Charlie And The Chocolate Factory prequel Wonka has reportedly been halted after one of the star's tested positive for Covid-19
'There's a huge amount of money tied up in filming so any delays can become incredibly costly. On site medical staff are monitoring the situation and won't make anyone come back until it's safe.
'Most people involved are double vaccinated anyway, but it shows that Covid can still find a way.'
Scenes for the upcoming film were being shot at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire in the run up to Christmas.
MailOnline has contacted Warner Bros. for comment.
Safety first: According to The Sun, filming has stopped for five days while the cast, including lead actor Timothee Chalomet (pictured), self-isolate
Timothee is the third actor to portray Willy Wonka on screen following Gene Wilder in 1971's Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Johnny Depp in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory in 2005.
The Wonka prequel will follow young Willy Wonka's adventures before he builds his world-famous chocolate factory.
One of the focuses of the story will be how he meets the mysterious Oompa Loompas and how they came to work at his factory.
Timothee stars alongside Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins and Matt Lucas.
First look: Timothee gave his fans quite the surprise recently when he shared the first look at him as Willy Wonka, (left) and (right) Gene Wilder who played the role in the 1971 movie
Paul King directs the prequel from a script he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby (who also stars) and Simon Rich.
Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the rights to the Willy Wonka character back in 2016 with director Paul's involvement confirmed in 2018.
That same year, it was reported that the list of actors in line to play Wonka included Ryan Gosling, Donald Glover and Ezra Miller.
Timothee was cast in the role in May 2021 and it was also confirmed the film would include several musical numbers.
A source said: 'Despite the strict Covid protocols everyone had been abiding with, as soon as there was a positive test on Thursday the whole production shut down immediately as bosses didn't want to take any chances'
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