A lively interview with Johnny Depp aired on NBC’s TODAY show on Monday, July 11th, kicking off a week of appearances by the cast of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Johnny was interviewed by Al Roker during the CATCF press junket at Paradise Island in Nassau last June. Did Johnny have any hesitation about accepting the role of Willy Wonka? Roker asked. No . . . Johnny’s invitation to join the cast “came in the form of a phone call from Tim, and I think he got half a sentence out before I said, ‘I’m in,'” Johnny said. As for Wonka’s distinctive pale complexion, Johnny’s idea was that Willy Wonka had cut himself off from society and had remained inside the factory for many years: “He’d look like a porcelain doll that had been kept in a box,” Johnny explained.

Asked if he is “ever satisfied” with his film performances, Johnny replied, “Never . . . no, never.” He added, “If I can avoid it, I won’t see them. I love the process, but actually having to watch myself? I flip out.” The Roker interview is the longest of the CATCF promotional appearances we have seen, and Johnny is relaxed and charming throughout the conversation. Watch for a joint interview with Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore on the TODAY show on Thursday morning!

The Zone thanks Susanne for the beautiful photo of Johnny; you can see a larger version of her screencap HERE. For other screencaps of the Roker interview, click HERE and HERE. Susanne has posted more screencaps on the Pit, and also a video download of the interview. Thanks, Susanne! Thanks also to Reemi, who has posted a different link to the video on the News & Views forum.