Blazing Saddles.
Photo: Warner Bros./Getty Images
Just like Purple Rain after the death of Prince, two of Gene Wilder’s most popular movies are returning to theaters in the wake of Wilder’s death Monday at the age of 83. Deadline reports that both 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and 1974’s Blazing Saddles are being rereleased this weekend to commemorate the late comedian. The family-friendly Willy Wonka will see a medium-size release of 200 theaters, with Blazing Saddles playing in 60; dozens of AMC cinemas are showing both films. It’s a sweet gesture, but just pray that these kinds of screenings don’t make too much money — otherwise, who knows how many actors’ lives might be at risk.