Hugh Grant, 61, is thought to have began filming his part at University Of Oxford’s Hertford College as it was decided regular-sized stars would portray the iconic Oompa Loompas
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Willy Wonka’s original Augustus Gloop now unrecognisable working as a lawyer
Hugh Grant is set to play an Oompa Loompa in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory prequel as bosses desperately try to avoid causing offence.
Execs have refused to use dwarfs for the parts as they did not want to upset small people.
Hugh, 61, looks likely to star alongside Timothée Chalamet, 26, who plays a young version of Roald Dahl’s eccentric chocolatier in the the upcoming Willy Wonka film.
But bosses have moved to make sure offence is not caused by the popular miniature workers, according to reports.
Initially, Oompa-Loompas were thought to have been axed altogether from the film, due out next year.
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Studios bosses feared they had a ‘racist’ connotation – and were considering doing away with the iconic characters from the new flick.
In the 1960s children’s novel, Wonka claimed he ‘imported’ them from the ‘very deepest darkest part of the African jungle where no white man had been before’.
But according to The Sun, they will appear – but will be played by regular-sized stars.
Film legend Hugh is thought to have began filming his part at University Of Oxford’s Hertford College.
Speaking in 1973, the legendary author defended their inclusion.
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He said: “It didn’t occur to me that my depiction of the Oompa-Loompas was racist.”
Olivia Colman, Rowan Atkinson and Sally Hawkins will also be joining the film, it was announced last year.
Timothée posted a first look photo of himself as Wonka back in October and was ruthlessly mocked.
The Call Me By Your Name actor will explore the character’s early years and back story – but fans couldn’t un-see the image he uploaded.
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“The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last… WONKA,” he captioned the photo on social media.
His winter photo with smart jacket and top hat made him look like another film icon – Gonzo from The Muppets Christmas Carol!
They weren’t wrong and ribbed the star with plenty of side-by-side pictures.
Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp have of course taken on the part, and there were a number saying the Timothée was not out of place.
It will be directed by Paddington’s Paul King, and fans can’t wait for the prequel.
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