It was a couple of Years ago that this Idea first entered my head.  I had just watched the film for the umpteenth time in my lifetime and it just occurred to me, man, A McFarlane Willy Wonka line would seriously kick ass!

Now I'm not saying I'm the first, hell no.  But at the time, it took me a while to share my thoughts, and when I finally did, it was under a post titled something to the effect of "That's it, Russ has finally gone insane".  Some agreed, but much to my delight, some didn't. 

Now, a short time later, the idea has gained momentum, and much support, even from some of McFarlane's staff, so my next step of course would be a workshop.

After all the discussion, it seems everyone thinks that the line should be 2 packs, each including a child and their respective guardian.  It's a great Idea in though, but unfortunately when you are trying to inspire the best ideas, you have to consider that the line will cost money to produce and 2 full size figures will most likely drive the price higher.  My Idea is a little more simple, and goes like this:

A 6 figure line consisting of:

Willy Wonka  w/ Oompa Loompa 

The Man, the Myth, The Legend.  You really have your work cut out for you on Mr. Wonka Here.  A basic standing pose, possibly with arms slightly extended in a welcoming pose, but still able to form up, hold his cane or various treats.

Willy's accessories would include an everlasting Gobstopper, Buttercup drink, giant Lolly, Cane, and most importantly, and Oompa Loompa.

Yep, you are beginning to see my method here.  Make the Oompa's the accessories.  People will want them and they will help drive the line.

Charlie Bucket w/ Grampa Joe

Charlie should come with his innocently excited expression, everlasting Gobstopper, possible other treat and a Golden Ticket

Grampa Joe should be included in the pack, because hey, who didn't love him.  Lastly, they should come with a bottle of fizzy lifting drink.

Veruca Salt w/ Oompa Loompa

Nasty little Veruca should come posed in a pouty huff, possible with a candy cane of sorts to wield as a club, Golden Egg, and lastly, an Oompa Loompa.

Violet Beauregard w/ Blueberry Violet

Violet, I am kind of pleased with.  One of the biggest debates was if she should come normal, or in her inflated state. 

I say, why not have both.  Normal Violet, would come perfectly sculpted, possibly with Gum.  I try not to be too specific, but I think all the kids should come with various treats from the film.  Blueberry Violet though, would come with a round Sculpted Blueberry head, and possibly appendages, attached to an Inflatable body to cut back on cost.  Now all you have to do is blow her up and you have an inflatable girl that you don't have to be ashamed of.

Mike Teevee w/ Oompa Loompa

Mike should come in his Cowboy Outfit with cap pistols and removable hat.  Mike is easy to try to branch out on too, for instance he could come with the Camera from the TV room.  He can also come with his Mini Mike version of himself.  I think Mike should also come with an Oompa Loompa though, because you need at least 3, if not 4.

The Sixth figure is a bit of a mystery.  You could certainly just have a line of 5, but if you want to round it out, I think the 6th figure should be no more than 1 per case, and in my opinion, should be Slugworth and Augustus.  Bite the bullet on this one, after all it would be rare.  Little or no accessories would be included due to the packaging, but these guys have limited support that doesn't deserve to be ignored, so why not go this route with them.

BOXED SET

Land of Willy Wonka w singing dancing Oompa Loompas

This was a Tough one, after all there's so much.  You could do a play set for almost every room, but my favorite has to be the great candy land with the Chocolate river.  I think it should be something the other figures should be able to be displayed with (hence the treat accessories) and on the other side of the river, I think should be the Oompa Loompa Door with singing dancing Oompas.  Not full size of course, they would be smaller die to depth accuracy and therefore make it more affordable to produce.  I would love to have a small version of the Boat put in there as well, but you would either have to put it at the far end with the Oompas and make it small, or make the whole thing a miniature version where the boat moves and the Oompas sing and dance.

Series 2 is but an afterthought for now, but we left out some parents for a reason, and if series 1 gains enough interest, they would show up in the next series, along with more Oompas, possibly the Car, who knows.  Just like Wonka himself, the possibilities are endless.

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