Nitin Ganatra Chocolate Footprint: Actor Recalls Johnny Depp’s On-Set Prank

Actor Nitin Ganatra recently revealed a hilarious behind-the-scenes story from the set of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. He says co-star Johnny Depp nearly got him fired. The incident involved a secret corridor and chocolate-covered footprints.

Ganatra shared the anecdote at the premiere of his new film, ‘Christmas Karma’. The story highlights the unpredictable and often messy nature of big-budget filmmaking.

The Sticky Situation in Willy Wonka’s Factory

Ganatra played Prince Pondicherry in Tim Burton’s 2005 film. His character was famously encased in a chocolate palace. After filming his scene, he was still covered in sticky chocolate.

Johnny Depp, who portrayed Willy Wonka, then pointed out a special effect. He told Ganatra to go through a curtain to see a “vanishing corridor”. Ganatra, curious, followed the suggestion.

The corridor was designed to appear as if it was shrinking. Ganatra walked in and promptly hit his head on the ceiling. That was when he realized his mistake.

He had left chocolate footprints all over the pristine red carpet. He ran out, telling Depp he had almost gotten him fired. According to Reuters, the actor looks back on the moment with laughter now.

Moving On From Wonka to New Roles

Despite the prank, Ganatra holds no ill will. He fondly remembers working with Depp and director Tim Burton. He was not, however, part of the 2023 ‘Wonka’ prequel film.

Ganatra explained his absence was simple. The new movie had a completely different director and cast. He later reunited with Burton for the Netflix series ‘Wednesday‘.

His character was killed off in the first season. The actor expressed disappointment at missing the fun of the second season. His career continues to evolve with diverse projects.

A Personal Project with ‘Christmas Karma’

Ganatra’s latest film is a Bollywood-inspired musical. ‘Christmas Karma’ is a modern take on ‘A Christmas Carol’. He plays a shopkeeper, a role he once avoided.

He said this role is a breakthrough for him. He and the director both grew up in newsagent shops. This personal connection made the part special and authentic.

The film is scheduled for release in November 2025. It represents a meaningful step in his acting journey, drawing directly from his own life experiences.

The story of the chocolate footprints is a funny glimpse behind the magic of cinema. It shows that even on major films, human error and humor are always present. Nitin Ganatra’s career continues to find its own unique path beyond the factory walls.

Info at your fingertips

What movie was Nitin Ganatra in with Johnny Depp?

He played Prince Pondicherry in Tim Burton’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. His character was the one who received a chocolate palace that melted in the sun.

Was Nitin Ganatra in the new Wonka movie?

No, he was not in the 2023 ‘Wonka’ prequel starring Timothée Chalamet. The film featured a new director and a completely different cast.

What is Nitin Ganatra’s new movie?

His new film is called ‘Christmas Karma’. It is a Bollywood-style musical adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ directed by Gurinder Chadha.

When is Christmas Karma being released?

The film is currently scheduled for release on November 14, 2025. The date is set, but could be subject to change.

Why did Nitin Ganatra almost get fired on set?

Johnny Depp directed him to explore a special effects corridor. Ganatra left chocolate footprints on the clean set, angering the crew.