Original Oompa Loompa Reflects on Filming 'Willy Wonka' and New Netflix Series

Rusty Goffe, one of the two surviving Oompa Loompas from the 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," has offered a behind-the-scenes look at both the original movie and the new Netflix reality series, "Wonka: The Golden Ticket."

Goffe, now 77, recalled that the famous chocolate river in the 1971 film was "filthy," with crew members discarding cigarette butts and script pages into the mixture of sugar and cream. "After a few days under hot lights, everything started smelling terribly," he said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail.

In contrast, the chocolate river on the set of "Wonka: The Golden Ticket," filmed near Brisbane, Australia, was "actually just a lovely chocolate river," Goffe noted.

The new Netflix reality show recreates Willy Wonka's factory and features 12 pairs of contestants competing for a £2.25 million prize. Goffe leads a new group of Oompa Loompas in the series. The production also utilizes an AI-generated voice of the late Gene Wilder, who played Wonka in the 1971 film. While some fans have found the narration "creepy," Goffe described hearing it as "magical."

Donning the familiar green wig and orange makeup brought back memories for Goffe, who was 22 and a newcomer to filmmaking when he was cast in the original movie. He recalled the camaraderie of the original cast, including Wilder and actor Roy Kinnear. "I loved him [Wilder]," Goffe said of the actor. "He was a funny man yet serious. He knew what he wanted—but he was gentle."

Goffe's career, launched by the role, includes appearances in "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope," "Willow," and five "Harry Potter" films, though he maintains that "nothing beats Wonka."

The original film featured ten actors of short stature as Oompa Loompas. The new Netflix series features a more diverse cast, including 6ft 8' actor Mitchell Marion. Goffe approves of this change, stating, "This show proves that anyone can be…if you've got orange makeup and green hair."

Modern advances also improved the Oompa Loompa costume experience. While the 1971 makeup required constant powdering and scraping off, the new wigs fit properly, unlike the ill-fitting ones from decades ago. However, Goffe noted that the heavy boots required for dancing in the new show were less comfortable than the ballet pumps used in the original.

Goffe's son, Ben Goffe, 33, also joined the cast of "Wonka: The Golden Ticket." Ben shared that there was a strict rule on set that they were not allowed to speak to the contestants to maintain the immersive "Willy Wonka" world.

Both Rusty and Ben Goffe expressed enthusiasm for a potential second season of the show, with Rusty Goffe emphasizing that he has not retired from acting.

"Wonka: The Golden Ticket" is currently available on Netflix.