George Coppen, a talented actor with dwarfism, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Hugh Grant’s casting as an Oompa Loompa in the upcoming Warner Bros. film, Wonka.

The movie, starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular candymaker, is a prequel to the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Coppen lamented that performers with dwarfism feel marginalized in the industry they love.

He argued that actors like himself should be offered a broader range of roles in dramas and soaps, but those opportunities are not coming their way. Instead, he feels that doors are being closed for actors with dwarfism without the next one being opened.

The controversy stems from the fact that the original 1971 film and the 2005 adaptation, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, both cast actors with dwarfism to play the beloved Oompa Loompas who work at Wonka’s factory.

However, in Wonka, Hugh Grant’s portrayal of an Oompa Loompa has sparked criticism, as the character appears to be digitally enhanced to appear smaller.

Coppen voiced his concerns about the casting choice, questioning why Grant’s head was digitally enlarged for the role. He expressed frustration over the lack of representation and opportunities for actors with dwarfism in the film industry, calling for more diverse casting in all types of roles.

In defense of the casting decision, director Paul King praised Hugh Grant’s ability to bring a unique and sarcastic charm to the Oompa Loompa character.

However, this has done little to appease the concerns raised by Coppen and others in the dwarfism community.

As Wonka prepares for its release, the controversy surrounding the casting of an actor with average height as an Oompa Loompa serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by actors with dwarfism in an industry that often struggles with inclusivity and representation.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, and Olivia Colman, and is set to hit theaters on December 15. Meanwhile, the conversation sparked by Coppen’s critique continues to highlight the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.