Alright, normally I don't really buy into the whole generational-divide thing — you know, the "us vs. them" mentality of categorizing baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z's into their own little groups and then judging that group for everything they do and say.
But I just learned something about those Gen Z people that makes me seriously question the things they're into nowadays.
Or, should I say, the people they're into.
No no no, not the Gene Wilder version. While my personal favorite Wonka, this is not the one that's getting the spotlight online.
Think a bit more recently... and a bit more Tim Burton-y.
Again, I don't really want to judge anyone, but personally this Wonka always sort of rubbed me the wrong way.
Maybe it's the chin-length "Lord Farquad" hair, the translucent skin, or his uncomfortably juvenile way of speaking, but there's just something about Depp's take on the character that makes me feel really, really creeped out.
As you can see, the man behind the bizarre character has opted to keep Depp's signature goggles, haircut, and crushed-velvet overcoat, but has ditched the clothes underneath in order to show off Wonka's surprisingly toned figure.
Who knew a lifetime of enjoying sweets could give you abs?
Since it was posted on July 26, that 18-second clip of Wonka winding and grinding for his fans has nearly 80 million views and over 7.8 million likes.
And despite the bizarre subject matter, people online absolutely love it.
"He smooth like his chocolate," one user wrote, while another added, "This the show I'll be getting if I get the golden ticket?"
"Yesterday I saw the [2005] movie again," someone admitted. "It's not the same anymore."
Although the Akon clip was the one that rocketed him to TikTok stardom, his most popular video is actually one that was posted just one week ago in which he performed just part of the WAP dance, as made famous by Cardi B.
That clip has been viewed over 93 million times (!!) and has 12.3 million likes as of writing.
If his last name is actually Depp, I guess I now understand why he picked the 2005 Wonka version, but I can't actually confirm it's his legal surname.
In that video, Duke explained that he's from Utah, and admitted that his favorite movie of all time is (shocker), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. How did he end up shirtless on TikTok with a wig and goggles, you ask?
Well, one day he found out he could do a pretty good impression of Depp's character. He started on the app by posting videos of him simply speaking like Wonka, but soon discovered people were much more apt to watch if he... ahem... danced around, too.
Judging from Duke's TikTok account, which currently has 10.2 million followers, and his videos, which all respectively amass millions of views and likes, I think it's safe to say he's going to be sticking around for awhile.
So if you've secretly been harboring some NSFW feelings towards Willy Wonka, I guess I've found the perfect TikTok account for you.
And I only feel slightly dirty after watching all those videos.
