WILLY Wonka could return to screens as a woman in a shake-up of Roald Dahl’s classic character.

Stars such as Charlize Theron may be approached in a radical re-imagining for a ­prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

4 How 'Willy' Wonka could look with Charlize Theron taking on the role

A source said: “A female lead is being considered.

“Film bosses realise it could spark a backlash but believe a female Wonka is a great way to give the classic story a fresh look.”

La La Land’s Ryan Gosling and Justice League actor Ezra Miller have been touted if the film company opt against the radical overhaul.

The Sun revealed this month Brad Pitt, 56, has thrown his name into the ring after his production company made the last adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005.

4 The late Gene Wilder was the first to play Willy Wonka on screen in a 1971 musical Credit: ABC

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Johnny Depp, 56, played Wonka on that occasion, with kooky filmmaker Tim Burton, 61, serving as director.

The late Gene Wilder was the first to play Wonka on screen in a 1971 musical - which “infuriated” Dahl by making drastic changes to his book, first published in 1964.

Warner Bros acquired the rights to the character from the Dahl estate in 2016.

Paddington director Paul King has signed on to direct the film, which is being made by Harry Potter producer David Heyman.

The film is expected to be set before the events of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

4 Johnny Depp, 56, played Wonka in the 2005 version, with kooky filmmaker Tim Burton, 61, directing Credit: Warner Brothers

4 Wilder's 1971 musical version 'infuriated' Dahl by making drastic changes to his book, which was first published in 1964 Credit: Alamy

Gene Wilder starred in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory