Quick Read
- Nitin Ganatra almost got fired from ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ after Johnny Depp encouraged him to explore a set corridor, leaving chocolate footprints behind.
- Ganatra was not invited to reprise his role in the 2023 ‘Wonka’ prequel, citing a new director and cast.
- He recently reunited with Tim Burton for ‘Wednesday’, but was killed off in the first season.
- Ganatra’s latest role in ‘Christmas Karma’ draws on his personal childhood experiences.
- ‘Christmas Karma’ is set for release on November 14, 2025.
Nitin Ganatra’s Chocolate-Covered Trouble on the ‘Wonka’ Set
Sometimes, the magic of movie-making isn’t just on the screen—it happens behind the scenes, in the laughter and chaos that never makes the final cut. Nitin Ganatra, known for his role as Prince Pondicherry in Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, shared one such story that blends humor, anxiety, and a bit of chocolate-infused panic, all thanks to Johnny Depp.
Speaking at the world premiere of his latest film Christmas Karma, Ganatra recounted the moment Depp, who played Willy Wonka, lured him into a set adventure that nearly cost him his job. “Johnny Depp got me into trouble — he won’t even remember this,” Ganatra laughed. “I was doing Prince Pondicherry and I was covered in chocolate, my shoes, everything covered in chocolate.”
The misadventure began innocently enough. Depp asked Ganatra if he’d seen the ‘vanishing corridor’ on set. “He goes, ‘Go through that curtain. There’s a vanishing corridor there.’ So I did, and I went through the curtain. It was dark, and I could see this red carpet that started to get further and further away until my head hit the ceiling. You know, that little vanishing corridor that gets smaller and smaller.”
But the comedy soon turned into concern. “I hit my head, turned around, and realised I’d left chocolate footprints on the carpet. I ran out and went, ‘You almost got me fired, Johnny…’” Ganatra’s story is a snapshot of the unpredictable, sometimes messy camaraderie that can spark between cast members on big productions.
From Chocolate Factory to Bollywood: Ganatra’s Evolving Career
Despite the near-miss on set, Ganatra has fond memories of working alongside Depp and under Burton’s direction. “We had fun though. It was nice to work with him,” he said. However, when the Wonka universe expanded with Paul King’s 2023 prequel Wonka, Ganatra wasn’t invited to reprise his role. He explained, “It’s a completely different cast and a different director.” The actor wasn’t bitter; he recognized the fluidity and evolution of the franchise.
Ganatra’s collaboration with Burton didn’t end with chocolate corridors. He reunited with the director for the first season of Wednesday, only to be killed off early. “I was upset I got killed off and didn’t get to be in the second season, which looks like such good fun. I’ve worked with Tim Burton twice now. I auditioned for it like everyone else and I got the part.” The actor’s journey reflects the uncertainties and surprises that define a career in film and television, where roles come and go, and each experience brings new lessons.
Christmas Karma: Drawing from Real Life for a Breakthrough Role
Ganatra’s latest project, Christmas Karma, marks a turning point for him. The Bollywood-inspired musical, directed by Gurinder Chadha, is a modern take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Ganatra plays a shopkeeper—a role that is unexpectedly personal. “This is the first shopkeeper I’ve ever played, which is a bit of a breakthrough role for me. As an Asian actor, I’ve always avoided playing shopkeepers — I’ve played the occasional doctor, never an accountant, thank God. But this one is special.”
Both Chadha and Ganatra grew up in newsagent shops, giving the film an authentic touch. “I got to use my own story in there,” Ganatra said. The film’s release, set for November 14, 2025, is a celebration not just of holiday spirit, but of cultural identity and personal history woven into the fabric of cinema.
The Many Faces of Wonka: Legacy and Reinvention
The Wonka universe, rooted in Roald Dahl’s fantastical imagination, continues to reinvent itself for new audiences. Each iteration—from Burton’s gothic vision to King’s recent prequel—brings fresh faces and new energy. Ganatra’s experience is a microcosm of this broader trend: actors move in and out, directors shape new worlds, and beloved characters evolve.
For Ganatra, the journey has been more than just chocolate mishaps and missed opportunities. It’s about finding joy in collaboration, whether with global superstars like Depp or visionary directors like Burton and Chadha. His stories remind us that behind every big-screen spectacle are smaller, human moments—footprints left not just on carpets, but on careers.
Ganatra’s anecdote reveals the playful unpredictability of working on major film sets, where humor and mishaps are part of the creative process. It’s a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of Hollywood, genuine connections and personal stories make the biggest impact, shaping both the films we love and the lives of those who create them.