Screen legend Gene Wilder, who had earlier criticised the casting of Johnny Depp in an upcoming remake of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", now says Depp is the right choice.

Wilder, who had played Wonka in the original 1971 version, says Depp is the "magical" choice to play Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", reports Internet Movie Database.

He had originally said that Depp would not be able to improve upon his portrayal of Wonka but has now retracted his statement to say that Depp is the perfect choice for the film.

He had even criticised director Tim Burton for making the remake for what he described as "pointless" financial gain.

He said: "If I were going to cast the movie, I would cast Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka because I think he is wonderful. Mysterious - always - and magical."