Gene Wilder’s ‘Willy Wonka,’ ‘Blazing Saddles’ back in theaters

Theaters nationwide are bringing a few of Gene Wilder’s most beloved films back to the big screen this weekend.

The AMC and Arclight theater chains announced Thursday that audiences can catch “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Blazing Saddles” this Saturday and Sunday.

Wilder died Sunday at age 83 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Fans worldwide have mourned since the news broke Monday.

The 55 participating AMC locations include the River East 21 in downtown Chicago. The Arclight screenings at Lincoln Park and at six other sites nationwide benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

This is the latest theatrical response to a notable death. Earlier this year, “Purple Rain” came back to theaters after Prince’s death. Many of the showings sold out quickly.