Hollywood just needs to catch up because the internet has already cast a star for the upcoming Gene Wilder biopic.
When the news broke in June 2026 that director Dito Montiel had secured rights from Gene Wilder’s estate for an authorized biopic, fans didn’t even wait to finish reading the announcement before naming their choice for the leading man: The Bear star Jeremy Allen White.
Wilder, a two-time Oscar nominee, remains one of the most beloved comedic performers in film history, thanks to his unforgettable roles in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, and The Producers.
The upcoming biopic will reportedly trace his rise from a shy young theater actor to one of cinema’s most iconic comedic voices, while exploring the personal struggles and relationships that led to his stardom.
Montiel co-wrote the script with Jeremy Roth, with Intrinsic Value Films and Mgmt Entertainment producing.
Although there’s no official announcement for who will be cast to play the great Wilder, netizens had already made up their mind.
“Jeremy Allen White or cancel this movie,” one Reddit user put bluntly.
“JAW or no go,” another echoed.
The resemblance between the Shameless alum and the late comedy legend has been shocking people for years, with the same wild curls, soulful eyes, and slightly melancholic charm.
“When I first saw him on The Bear, I actually googled if he was related to Gene Wilder,” one commenter admitted.
“If I knew nothing about either man and you were to tell me they were father and son, I would say 'yeah, no sh*t’,” said another.
One Redditor called it the most obvious biopic casting in Hollywood history, saying, “It's so obvious I haven't even said his name but you know who I'm talking about.”
Over on X, fans were already calling for White’s awards campaign: “Jeremy Allen White get off that Bruce Springsteen nonsense and come get your oscar fr this time.”
The Springsteen reference is a nod to White having just played The Boss in the 2025 biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere.
Transforming himself into beloved real-life icons could quickly become White’s whole persona if he’s cast to play Wilder.
Yet, not everyone was sold on the fan-favorite pick.
“He looks like him, but no performance he's ever given has made me think he can ACT like him,” one skeptic argued. “Doesn't have that same affable charm, and if there's any comedy in the movie (which I'd hope at least some) is not really White’s style at all.”
Others fired back, with one writing, “Ya think Gene Wilder was comedic, every waking moment of his life? … What makes you think Jeremy Allen White can't be funny? It's going to be Jeremy Allen White.”
When the news broke in June 2026 that director Dito Montiel had secured rights from Gene Wilder’s estate for an authorized biopic, fans didn’t even wait to finish reading the announcement before naming their choice for the leading man: The Bear star Jeremy Allen White.
Wilder, a two-time Oscar nominee, remains one of the most beloved comedic performers in film history, thanks to his unforgettable roles in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, and The Producers.
The upcoming biopic will reportedly trace his rise from a shy young theater actor to one of cinema’s most iconic comedic voices, while exploring the personal struggles and relationships that led to his stardom.
Montiel co-wrote the script with Jeremy Roth, with Intrinsic Value Films and Mgmt Entertainment producing.
Although there’s no official announcement for who will be cast to play the great Wilder, netizens had already made up their mind.
“Jeremy Allen White or cancel this movie,” one Reddit user put bluntly.
“JAW or no go,” another echoed.
The resemblance between the Shameless alum and the late comedy legend has been shocking people for years, with the same wild curls, soulful eyes, and slightly melancholic charm.
“When I first saw him on The Bear, I actually googled if he was related to Gene Wilder,” one commenter admitted.
“If I knew nothing about either man and you were to tell me they were father and son, I would say 'yeah, no sh*t’,” said another.
One Redditor called it the most obvious biopic casting in Hollywood history, saying, “It's so obvious I haven't even said his name but you know who I'm talking about.”
Over on X, fans were already calling for White’s awards campaign: “Jeremy Allen White get off that Bruce Springsteen nonsense and come get your oscar fr this time.”
The Springsteen reference is a nod to White having just played The Boss in the 2025 biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere.
Transforming himself into beloved real-life icons could quickly become White’s whole persona if he’s cast to play Wilder.
Yet, not everyone was sold on the fan-favorite pick.
“He looks like him, but no performance he's ever given has made me think he can ACT like him,” one skeptic argued. “Doesn't have that same affable charm, and if there's any comedy in the movie (which I'd hope at least some) is not really White’s style at all.”
Others fired back, with one writing, “Ya think Gene Wilder was comedic, every waking moment of his life? … What makes you think Jeremy Allen White can't be funny? It's going to be Jeremy Allen White.”