Prior to the Tim Burton version on film, Wonka had never been a threatening character. Wilder's version had just enough hint of intimidation to make the movie interesting without scaring the little kids. For most small children, the newer version was pretty scary and inappropriate.
The great thing about the character is that he can be just about any age...there is no requirement for this character to be young OR old, so there are lots of casting opportunities. I could see Norbert Leo Butz in the role, Nathan Lane, Roger Bart, Marc Kudisch...just to name a few.
"Life is a lesson in humility"