Willy Wonka Diagnosed With Prequelitis

Too soon, Warner Brothers.  Too soon.  

Can we not let our icons rest in peace for even a second?  I'm not completely against prequels as a rule.  Batman Begins was exactly the kick-ass table setting that was needed to give the world The Dark Knight, and I unabashedly love the adventurousness and whip-smart casting in Star Trek (2009).  However, the cynical side of my brain can't help but think a producer was scanning through this year's death notices and realized, "Hey, people really seem to love that Gene Wilder fellow and his Wonka thing.  You think we can squeeze money out of some more of those?"

Look, I'm sure producer David Heyman is a stand-up fellow (I'm not really that sure. Just play along).  He did a bang up job on the Harry Potter movies.  But, nearly every bit of the story Variety published today (found here) hits my nerves like a cheese grater.   "A possible franchise?"  Really?  There aren't enough of those?  

I guess there is a possibility of making a good movie out of this idea.  The core concept of following Wonka on his adventures is not inherently terrible (although they might be secretly racist).  I probably wouldn't have this strong of a reaction if this were removed from Gene Wilder's passing by, say, a year or two.  Less than two months out?  Could your cash grab be any more obvious WB?