“Need the Call” - Jeremy Allen White Eyes Gene Wilder Biopic Role

Published 10/07/2026, 10:59 PM EDT

Jeremy Allen White attends the 29th annual SAG Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 26, 2023. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY LAP2023022601034 JIMxRUYMEN

Jeremy Allen White has openly volunteered to play Gene Wilder in the upcoming biopic about the late actor. The Bear star is currently in full promotional mode for his new Aaron Sorkin film, which means every interview doubles as an audition tape. Somewhere between talking about work and answering questions, a very specific dream slipped out. Hollywood casting directors may want to keep their phones charged and their ears open.

While some actors wait politely for opportunity to knock, White decided to ring the bell himself, and the Today show couch made the perfect doorstep.

Jeremy Allen White says yes to a Gene Wilder biopic on the Today show

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Jeremy Allen White would love to play Gene Wilder in the biopic, and he said so on the Today show on October 7. Host Craig Melvin pointed out the physical resemblance between the two actors before asking if White would take the part. At 35, White needed no script for this one.

“Absolutely, it would be my honor,” White said.

He then added, "I love him, I’ve always loved him. I need the call."

FREMONT, Jeremy Allen White, 2023. Music Box Films Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA

Later on the Today show, Savannah Guthrie wondered aloud whether White already held the Willy Wonka role, which left him surprised. He denied it several times, then added that manifesting was underway. The biopic itself is real, since Deadline reported in June that Dito Montiel will direct after securing life rights from Wilder's estate. Wilder died in 2016, and White's name has frequently come up in connection with the project.

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While the Wilder call stays hypothetical, an Aaron Sorkin premiere gave White a real stage for something heavier than chocolate.

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via Imago

Mikey Madison plays Haugen, while White takes on journalist Jeff Horwitz, and Jeremy Strong plays Mark Zuckerberg. Jesse Eisenberg, who earned an Oscar nomination for the role in The Social Network, passed because he wanted to move in different directions. Aaron Sorkin admitted it never occurred to him that Eisenberg might actually decline. The film reaches theaters on October 9. Until then, White keeps his phone close, just in case.

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What are your thoughts on Jeremy Allen White playing Gene Wilder? Let us know in the comments.

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Shraddha Priyadarshi

2212 articles

Shraddha is a content chameleon with 3 years of experience, expertly juggling entertainment and non-entertainment writing, from scriptwriting to reporting. Having a portfolio of over 2,000 articles, she has covered everything from Hollywood’s glitzy drama to the latest pop culture trends. With a knack for telling stories that keep readers hooked, Shraddha thrives on dissecting celebrity scandals and cultural moments.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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