Jeremy Allen White Says He’d Play Gene Wilder in a Biopic if Asked: ‘I Need the Call’

**Jeremy Allen White Expresses Interest in Playing Gene Wilder in Upcoming Biopic**

Jeremy Allen White, best known for his role in *The Bear*, recently expressed his enthusiasm for potentially portraying the iconic actor Gene Wilder in a forthcoming biopic. During an interview on the *Today* programme, which aired on 7 October, White highlighted his admiration for Wilder’s work, mentioning that films like *Young Frankenstein* and *Blazing Saddles* have left a lasting impression on him.

White, who shared physical resemblances with the late actor, responded affirmatively when asked by Craig Melvin if he would be interested in taking on the role of Wilder. “Absolutely, it would be my honour,” he stated with evident enthusiasm, underlining Wilder’s genius and significance in cinematic history. “He was a genius. I’ve always loved him,” White continued, suggesting that a role in the biopic would hold great personal significance for him.

The conversation also touched upon the idea of whether White had already been cast as Willy Wonka, a character Wilder famously portrayed in *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory* (1971). Savannah Guthrie, a co-host on the show, cheekily suggested that the casting might already be in place. Taken aback by the implication, White responded with surprise, asserting, “Do I already have it? No! No, no, no,” before adding with a hopeful tone, “We’ll see, we’re manifesting it.”

The biopic about Wilder is being directed by Dito Montiel, who officially secured the rights to the actor’s life story from his estate following his passing in 2016. This connection has generated considerable buzz, particularly due to White’s striking similarity to Wilder, which has made him a frequent topic of discussion in relation to the film.

Despite his eagerness to reprise Wilder’s larger-than-life persona, White has voiced concerns regarding the pressures associated with playing real individuals. He recently took on the role of acclaimed journalist Jeff Horwitz in Aaron Sorkin’s *The Social Reckoning*, a choice that he admitted brought considerable anxiety. “I did a film called *Deliver Me From Nowhere* playing Bruce Springsteen, very public person, very beloved person,” he explained. “It was a wonderful experience but it was a tremendous amount of pressure.”

White’s apprehension about stepping into the shoes of well-known figures was evident as he reflected on his experience portraying Horwitz. “I was anxious about the idea of going ahead and playing another real person right away and feeling the responsibility again,” he shared. This desire to focus on original characters rather than impersonations has shaped his approach to filmmaking in recent years.

The actor acknowledged the unique pressures that accompany portraying someone whose life and personality are widely recognised. He expressed that his aspiration was to create roles that allow for more creative freedom without the burden of accurately depicting a real person’s life story.

*The Social Reckoning*, which features White as Horwitz, is set for release on 9 October. In the film, White’s performance is likely to showcase his range and depth as he tackles the intricacies of portraying a real-life figure, an experience he admits can be both rewarding and daunting.

As the conversation around the Gene Wilder biopic continues to develop, fans are left wondering whether Jeremy Allen White will indeed take on this beloved role. His passion for Wilder’s work and his artistic integrity might make him a fitting choice for this homage to the actor’s remarkable legacy, should the opportunity arise. Whether or not White’s dreams become a reality remains to be seen, but his enthusiastic response to the prospect has certainly captured the attention of both fans and industry insiders alike.