Jeremy Allen White Wants to Play Gene Wilder But Says He’s Waiting For Something Important

Oct 13, 2026 by apost team

Jeremy Allen White may have found his next dream role, and fans have already noticed one reason he could be a natural fit. The 35-year-old actor, known for playing Carmy Berzatto in The Bear, has been linked to an upcoming biopic about legendary actor Gene Wilder, whose unforgettable performances in films like “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Blazing Saddles” made him a Hollywood icon.

White’s resemblance to Wilder has fueled speculation about whether he could portray the late actor, who died in 2016 at age 83.

But as the casting conversation has grown, White has also been candid about the pressure that comes with portraying real people.

In a recent interview about his upcoming film “The Social Reckoning,” White reflected on playing real-life journalist Jeff Horwitz in the Aaron Sorkin-directed drama. He admitted that he initially hesitated to take on another real person so soon after portraying Bruce Springsteen in “Deliver Me From Nowhere.” “I had a little hesitation,” White said of playing Horwitz.

Although he described the Springsteen film as a wonderful experience, he also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with portraying someone who is widely recognized and deeply admired. “It was a tremendous amount of pressure,” he explained.

White said he wanted his next project to allow him to create a character of his own rather than feel responsible for reproducing another person's mannerisms and identity.

“I wanted my next thing to be something that was just my own and my own kind of creation and to feel no pressure to do any kind of impersonation,” he said.

Given that experience, the prospect of playing Wilder presents an interesting question: Would White be ready to step into the shoes of another beloved cultural figure?

His recent television appearance offered a telling answer, although the casting situation may not be quite what fans expect.

On the Today Show on Wednesday, Oct. 7, White was asked directly about portraying Wilder. Host Craig Melvin pointed out the physical similarities between the two actors, then asked whether White would consider taking the role.

“Absolutely, it would be my honor,” he replied.

He also recalled the impact Wilder's work had on him growing up, particularly the actor's performances in two comedy classics.

“Young Frankenstein is one of my earliest film memories. Blazing Saddles, he’s a genius,” White said. “It would be an honor. He was a genius. It would be an honor. Yeah, I love him. I’ve always loved him.”

The conversation took an unexpected turn when co-host Savannah Guthrie asked whether White might have already landed another iconic role associated with Wilder.

“I feel like he maybe already has that role,” Guthrie said. “Jeremy Allen White, do you already have the Willy Wonka role?” White appeared surprised by the question.

“Do I already have it? No! No, no, no,” he responded, before adding, “We’ll see, we’re manifesting it.”

The speculation follows Deadline's June report that director Dito Montiel had been tapped to direct a Wilder biopic after securing life rights from the actor's estate. White's name has frequently surfaced in discussions about the project because he resembles Wilder. For now, however, White's enthusiasm shouldn't be mistaken for confirmation that he's been cast.

The actor's latest film, “The Social Reckoning,” is scheduled to hit theaters Oct. 9. Whether he will eventually take on Wilder remains to be seen.

White, for his part, has made his interest unmistakable. Asked about playing the comedy legend, he made it clear he would gladly take the opportunity. “I need the call,” he said.

apost.com

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