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Q&A: Freddie Highmore's 'Charlie' Doesn't Drink The Bubbly Stuff

Julie Wohlberg | Of Merge

Freddie Highmore is 13, but he seems to be about seven, with a tiny stature and angelic features that make him seem to be the perfect child star. Despite his young age, Highmore is mature for his age, if somewhat starstruck about pairing with Johnny Depp for the second time in two years. This time, he plays Charlie Bucket, a poor boy with a wealth of family in Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

How did you get the part of Charlie Bucket?
Freddie Highmore: I had to interview, just like the other children. I found out that I had gotten the part when I was in the Grand Canyon on holiday, that's when the call came through. It was a great way to find out. It was just amazing, because I thought, 'I'm going to get to work with Johnny again.'

Had you seen the original movie or read the book?

Highmore: I have seen the original movie and read the book, but I hadn't seen the original movie before doing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory....
Click here to listen to Freddie Highmore's full response.

But you read the book before making the movie?
Highmore: Yes, yes I did, I read the book before I did the film. It was great, you know? Tim Burton managed to bring out Roald Dahl's imagination. I'd say it's an amazing book and an amazing film.

Are you like Charlie?
Highmore: I think we are similar. At the end of Finding Neverland, I was quite upset, and I had a wish to see Johnny again and Charlie has a wish to see the chocolate factory, and both of our wishes came true, so we're similar in that way. But also, I'm just a normal kid, and Charlie's a normal kid.

Did you and the other kids on the set hang out?
Highmore: Yes, we hung out a bit, and we still keep in contact, by email and stuff. Yes, it was good to have other kids around because you start to feel a bit lonely if you're on your own.

So which movie did you think was better?
Highmore: Um, I think our movie was. [laughs]