Filming for Willy Wonka in Lyme Regis

Filming for the forthcoming Warner Bros Willy Wonka movie took place recently in Lyme Regis. The Cobb was the location at the centre of attention, with the iconic stone pier becoming a fake snow covered winter scene. Seeing the film crews and the hope of a glimpse of famous actors created a real sense of excitement in the area. We can't wait to see Lyme on the big screen again!

Willy Wonka's earlier life

The highly anticipated Warner Bros film starring Timothée Chalamet and Olivia Colman, is the prequel to the much loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Road Dahl. The new film will explore Willy Wonka's earlier life before the famous chocolate factory was built. Other actors to star in the film include Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, and and Matt Lucas.

Video of the Wonka film set in Lyme Regis

Various props were spotted around the harbour to create the period look for the temporary film set. It is rumoured that the location in Lyme Regis will not feature at great length throughout the film. However, this didn't prevent a buzz being created around the place with onlookers keen to see events unfold. Love Lyme Regis and Lyme Online captured some great footage near the action...

Famous Films & TV locations in Dorset

We love a local movie tie-in here at Newlands. In March 2019, Lyme Regis was used as the setting for Ammonite - the film based on the life of fossil hunter Mary Anning, staring Kate Winslet. The Cobb was also used as the famous 'cloak scene' in 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' with Meryl Streep.

There a number other tourist hotspots in Dorset that have a strong association with film and TV. West Bay was the instantly recognisable location of ITV's Broadchurch TV crime drama series which featured David Tennant and Olivia Coleman. The action film Dunkirk was shot in Dorset locations at Weymouth Harbour and Swanage Railway and starred Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Harry Styles.

We can't wait to see another much-loved Dorset landmark in the movies. The new Wonka film is set for release in March 2023.