Donald Glover and Ryan Gosling lead actor shortlist for new Willy Wonka film

The Atlanta creator is said to be 'actively chasing' the role

The shortlist of actors detailing those in the running to play beloved Roald Dahl character Willy Wonka has reportedly been revealed.

Paddington filmmaker Paul King will direct another adaptation of the classic children's book which, according to Collider, will see either Ryan Gosling, Ezra Miller or Donald Glover play the mysterious chocolate factory owner.

The report states that Atlanta star and creator Glover - who appears in Solo: A Star Wars Story - has “actively been chasing” the title role.

Miller's credits include We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and DC mashup Justice League while Gosling is best known for his roles in Drive, The Notebook and La La Land. He'll next be seen in Damian Chazelle's Neil Armstrong biopic First Man.

Novelist Simon Rich (US series Man Seeking Woman) will write the screenplay with Harry Potter producer David Heyman overseeing proceedings. It's said to be a prequel that will detail the character's origin story and could be the first in a series of films.

Gene Wilder played Willy Wonka in a 1971 musical version of the novel while Johnny Depp portrayed the character in Tim Burton's 2005 adaptation.