A MOVIE blockbuster starring Hollywood heart-throb Johnny Depp could be filmed in York later this year, the Evening Press can reveal today.

Nestl Rowntree's Wigginton Road plant is being lined up as a location for a new version of Roald Dahl's classic book, Charlie And Tthe Chocolate Factory.

Depp has signed up to play Willy Wonka in the film, which will be directed by Tim Burton, whose past triumphs include Batman and Edward Scissorhands.

A senior Nestl source revealed that nine executives from the movie's producers, Warner Brothers, had recently flown to the factory on a private jet to meet managers to discuss using it as a possible location. They also discussed the prospect of chocolate bars being made at the plant to tie in with its release.

It is believed the movie would be predominantly shot at Pinewood Studios, near London, from July onwards, with filming being carried out at the York factory in June.

Depp was recently nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role as a pirate in the smash-hit, Pirates Of The Caribbean.

The Nestl source said: "The final details are still being negotiated, but we are working with them (Warner) to make it happen.

"If they use our factory they will be here at the end of June with the rest of the filming done at Pinewood."

A spokeswoman for Warner Brothers said: "Until the full cast is confirmed we won't be releasing any details.

"Rumours are rife at the moment. A lot of locations are looked at before shooting starts."

The film will be the second to be based on Roald Dahl's book. The 1971 version starred Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka.

Updated: 09:13 Saturday, March 06, 2004