Lord of the Rings Star Reveals the One Movie He Would Erase From Cinema History That ‘Destroyed the Original’

In-Depth Look: Elijah Wood’s Strong Opinions on Tim Burton’s Adaptation

Elijah Wood critiques Tim Burton’s 2005 remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, asserting it lacks the essential magic of the original.
The actor articulates disappointment over Burton’s portrayal of Willy Wonka, arguing it fails to reflect the beauty and integrity of Roald Dahl’s work.
Aligning with critical reception, Burton’s adaptation holds a low Rotten Tomatoes score, contrasting sharply with the recent successful version.

For many, it feels surreal that over two decades have passed since Peter Jackson brought J. R.R. Tolkien’s vivid universe of The Lord of the Rings to life. This cinematic homage redefined fantasy films, garnering numerous awards and accolades for its groundbreaking visual effects and storytelling. Featuring memorable performances from an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, and Andy Serkis, the legacy of The Lord of the Rings continues to resonate today.

Elijah Wood, who masterfully portrayed the beloved hobbit Frodo Baggins—a character entrusted with the One Ring by his cousin Bilbo—was just 18 years old when he embarked on this monumental journey in New Zealand. His immersive experience in this epic quest to obliterate the ring in the fires of Mount Doom has equipped him with notable insights into cinematic adaptations. Among the many films that have emerged since his descent into Middle-earth, Wood has pinpointed one particular remake by Tim Burton that he believes should never have seen the light of day.

A Bold Assertion from the Star of The Lord of the Rings Regarding a Regrettable Remake

During a spirited panel hosted by Screen Junkies in 2017, which also featured celebrities like Kevin Smith, Wood was posed with the provocative question: “If you could permanently erase one movie from existence, which would it be?”When it was his turn to respond, Wood did not hesitate, referencing Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation. He voiced strong disapproval, claiming that the film “destroyed the book and the original film, ”which was famously brought to life in 1971 by Gene Wilder’s iconic portrayal.

Elijah Wood explaining why, if he could remove ANY one movie from cinema history, it would be Tim Burton’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (timestamp 45:00) by u/pantherfanalex in movies

Wood elaborated on the role of remakes, noting that directors typically aim to enhance or build upon previous works. However, he felt that Burton’s attempt fell short, stating, “The movie contained no magic.” Despite Willy Wonka’s eccentricities in the original narrative, Wood believed audiences could trust in the essence of the character to deliver a magical experience. Burton, however, missed this crucial mark.

Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory did not fare well with audiences, achieving only a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This suggests that Wood’s critique may hold weight. In contrast, the latest adaptation starring Timothée Chalamet has received considerable acclaim, holding an impressive 82% on Rotten Tomatoes while grossing over $600 million globally at the box office. However, it remains to be seen what Wood thinks of this latest iteration.

Source: Reddit

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