JOHNNY DEPP - WILDER RETRACTS DEPP CRITICISM

LATEST: Movie funnyman GENE WILDER has hailed JOHNNY DEPP as a "magical" choice to play WILLY WONKA in upcoming film CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY - weeks after attacking Depp's casting in the movie remake.

Wilder, who played Wonka in the original 1971 film, recently accused director TIM BURTON of remaking the ROALD DAHL fantasy for "pointless" financial gain.

And despite complaining Depp would not be able to improve upon his portrayal of Wonka, Wilder has now declared Depp is the perfect choice for the film.

He says, "If I were going to cast the movie, I would cast Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka because I think he is wonderful. Mysterious - always - and magical."