Originally published June 12, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
Molecule8’s John Lennon previews showed detailed sculpts, paintwork and accessories, but finished production photos were not yet available. Sideshow listing the John Lennon figure gave some collectors more confidence; it was not proof of the finished figure’s quality.
Now, before the John Lennon has even been released Molecule8 has announced its second figure: Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka. A true film icon that has had custom iterations of him done before, it was a shock to see that there will be a mass-produced version of the chocolatier! So: What do we know about the Molecule8 Willy Wonka?
What Does Wonka come with?
The available images were renders or work-in-progress photos rather than finished products. Molecule8 also provided an extensive list of planned features. Starting with Wonka himself, he will be utilizing the Stainless Steel Mark I Endoskeleton much like Lennon. It will be interesting to see how these bodies come out, and we will find out once John Lennon releases. Also like the Lennon release is the inclusion of two headsculpts. While we do not have photos of the sculpts besides the photos from sculptor Mike Hill, I would wager that one sculpt will be a neutral expression while the other is a smile.
Arguably the most iconic part of the Willy Wonka look is his eccentric outfit. I am waiting with bated breath to see final photos of the tailoring, but Molecule8 says that they will be working with custom-printed fabrics. If nothing else, I would hope that this means that the texture and materials used in the outfit will be accurate. In their renders, they show the vest pattern, as well as the render of the boots, both of which look fantastic.
In terms of accessories, the listing just says “accessories from memorable moments.” Additionally, they list interchangeable hands in a variety of gestures. The renders shown include candy umbrellas, edible mugs, the everlasting gobstopper, the iconic Wonka bar, and more! It will be interesting to see if all of these make the cut, or if only some of them do. Additionally, Molecule8 has said that an Oompa Loompa will be included, so we are excited to see what that piece will entail! Finally, a 1:1 scale replica of the Golden Ticket will be included as well!
When Will Preorders Begin?
Molecule8 announced an August 1, 2017 preorder date and a $249.95 price with free shipping. These were the company’s advertised plans; finished-product photos were not available for this article.
Obviously by now we know Molecule8 is a secretive company that keeps things close to the chest. We saw that when we interviewed the company’s founder. Regardless, the moment One Sixth Society is able to get more information you will be the first to know!
A Planned Accessory Is Not a Finished Accessory
The candy props, body system and second portrait described here came from an announcement made before finished-product photographs were available. They document the proposed Wonka, not an independently checked box inventory. A drawing or render can explain an idea clearly without establishing how it was manufactured or what a buyer ultimately received.
