Hugh Grant’s ‘Wonka’ role sparks criticism from actor with dwarfism

nypost.com:

Oompa, Loompa, doom-pa-dee-do, I’ve got another scandal for you. Hugh Grant’s casting as an Oompa Loompa in the Timothée Chalamet-led film “Wonka” has sparked controversy among actors with dwarfism, reports the BBC.

George Coppen, who has dwarfism, slammed the “Notting Hill” star’s casting. He said that an actor who has dwarfism should have been cast and that those who have the genetic condition are “being pushed out of the industry we love.”“A lot of people, myself included, argue that dwarfs should be offered everyday roles in dramas and soaps, but we aren’t getting offered those roles,” said Coppen, 26. “One door is being closed but they have forgotten to open the next one.”Coppen has starred in “Artemis Fowl” and Disney Plus’ “Willow” series.

Dwarfism “is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less” that can be caused by numerous conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Wonka” tells the story of how the famous chocolatier (Chalamet) got his start and how he met the Oompa Loompas, who later came to work for him.

In the trailer for the film, Grant, 62, can be seen in a glass jar wearing the bright orange makeup and green wig that was made famous in the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” starring the late Gene Wilder. “So you’re the funny little man who’s been following me,” Wonka asks Grant.