Four years ago, a little known Youtuber named Rhino Stew released a video that would soon become a viral hit with more than 8 million views.
The premise? What if Snowpiercer was actually a sequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Now the Snowpiercer Season 2 finale has provided even more evidence to this, which we are including at the end of this story as an update from when this was originally published in 2020.
But first, let’s present to you the following.
The Wonkapiercer theory.
It’s 15 minutes of pure brilliance, and if you haven’t seen it, or want a refresher, then I highly suggest you do so by clicking the video below.
MAJOR SPOILERS From This Point Forward
Wonkapiercer Summary
The basic theory goes like this: After being named Willy Wonka’s successor at the end of the 1971 film, Charlie Bucket grows up to become Wilford (a nod to his mentor’s first name, Willy), carrying on Wonka’s legacy of innovation, imagination, and decadence.
The narrative similarities are glaring. As a group makes its way through a quirky and amazing facility, the members are taken out one at a time until only one remains. He then faces the director, who reveals some secrets and asks him to be his successor. In addition, thematically, both movies focus heavily on class separation as well as a strong focus on food.
But the real evidence is in the distinct characters and details that parallel the 1971 movie. Both movies have a character, for example, who works undercover for the director and is later revealed to be a mole. Giant Ws are branded on all the sets. Brilliant inventions are everywhere, and they come from a rich eccentric person. Heck, there’s even a focus on having a ticket to get in.
But perhaps the most convincing link involves the Oompa Loompas.
That’s right. Oompa Loompas. Small people. In both movies, the director is using small-sized people to run his machines.
And it gets better.
At the end of Snowpiercer, Wilford chats with Curtis a great deal about the train’s engine, stating that “the space only allows for a very small person” and “that piece of equipment went extinct recently”. This explains why Wilford needs those small children to maintain the engine. He was using Oompa Loompas, and now he’s run out!
New Wonkapiercer Evidence from TNT’s Snowpiercer (2020)
In January of this year, TNT released a trailer for Snowpiercer with a very familiar song in the background.
Did you recognize that tune? It’s Pure Imagination. Straight from the soundtrack of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. A song written specifically for the movie.
Now THAT’s an easter egg.
Ever since, we’ve been watching closely. Waiting to see if more parallels would appear. And in Episode 5 of season 1, one certainly seems to.
In TNT’s Snowpiercer, Lilah (LJ) Folger is the spoiled daughter of a rich man, who bought her a very expensive ticket. She is a greedy and conniving little redhead, with her father wrapped around her finger. Remind you of anyone?
Yes, Veruca Salt and LJ share a very similar backstory. Very similar indeed.
Now look at this screengrab from episode 5 of Snowpiercer.
Did you see it? How about now?
The plot thickens…
So what do you think? Will they ever confirm Wonkapiercer as canon? Are you seeing any parallels that we’re missing? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear your theories.
New Wonkapiercer Evidence from TNT’s Snowpiercer Season 2 Finale [SPOILERS]
And now the Snowpiercer Season 2 finale has provided us with even MORE evidence. Wilford just opened a NEW car and it’s called Willy’s World.
It’s all coming together.
