Ananova:

Gene Wilder, who played Willy Wonka Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, says Johnny Depp will be 'magical' in the film.

Gene, who played Wonka in 1971, said: "If I were going to cast the movie I would cast Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka because I think he is wonderful. Mysterious - always - and magical."

However, he thinks the only reason the film has been remade is to make money reports ITV.com.

He added: "It used to be that they were almost as concerned with making a good film as a money-maker. Today the money-making comes first."

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be released in the UK on July 29.