The Cast Of 'Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory' Reunites, & Man, Is It Bringing Back All The Memories

by Jacquelyn Gray

There aren't too many movies from our parents' childhoods that we can honestly say impacted our own, but perhaps of that very short list sits this one: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. And this morning, it all came flooding back when the cast of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory reunited on the Today Show after 44 years to share their memories of the iconic film. Whether you were a fan of the music, the Oompa Loompas, or just the idea of a giant chocolate factory, it’s hard not to be excited about this.

How can anyone us forget the 1971 film adaptation of Roald Dhal's beloved book? (Not to be confused with Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was, well, different.) Even if you didn’t see it when it first came out, you were eventually granted a look inside the wild world of Willy Wonka. Oh, and the candy. So. much. candy.

Over the years, the movie gained a cult following. After all, it graced a good amount of televisions during that time. And after four decades, we have learned more and more about what happened behind the scenes — like Wilder only accepting the role if he could do a somersault when first meeting the golden ticket recipients and that the famed chocolate river was made of real chocolate that really smelled — which helps keep the fandom alive.

On the Today Show segment, viewers learned a few more tantalizing tidbits that provided a heavy dose of childhood feels. For one Peter Ostrum, the actor who took on the role of Charlie, pretty much stopped acting after that role and became a vet. And Denise Nickerson, who played Violet Beauregarde, only kinda liked gum as a kid and stopped chewing it after her role. But the best news to come out of this reunion is that none of them regret taking part in the movie, which isn't a tune always sung by former child actors.

Whether you secretly wished you would get a golden ticket or dreamt about experiencing a candy-filled world, we all had a favorite moment from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Take this time to walk down memory lane and reminisce about them.

When Charlie Chose His Grandpa To Go With Him — Which Ruled

Because it led to a fantastic dance number.

Everything About The Chocolate Room

You know you wanted to live in this world of pure imagination.

A, OMG, The Chocolate River

I bet it's swimming with Swedish Fish.

That Lickable Wallpaper

Why didn't someone turn this into a real ting? I suppose I'll have to settle for Sniffable Markers.

Two Words: Everlasting Gobstopper

Granted, not the most profitable candy. But definitely the most delicious.

When This Girl Turned Blue

Or rather, violet.

When Veruca Dropped Down The Chute

I mean... she had it coming to her.

That Gravity Room Was Cool AF

You know, until Charlie's head nearly got chopped off in the giant ceiling fan — which quickly turned this awesome scene into the most terrifying thing ever.

All Of The Oompa Loompa Songs

Don't know about you, but it's been like 20 years since I watched, and I still have those songs stuck in my head...

The Fact That Charlie Never, Ever Gave Up

Even when Willy Wonka was kind of an *ss.

This Moment, Every Time

Oh man, Charlie.

Images: NBC Universal; Giphy (12)