OK, so one of the most enduring book series of the last century has already inspired a true cinematic classic in Victor Fleming 1939 Wizard of Oz, and with multiple films from the Ozverse nearing production there will be many news stories like this coming our way.
To begin then.
Oz, The Great and Powerful centres on the Wizard and his own journey to Oz, and rumour places Robert Downey Jr. as the robed charlatan himself and following the news that one time front runner Sam Mendes was being tipped to direct IanMcEwan’s On Chesil Beach, Vulture now has the update that Sam Raimi has been offered the job.
Raimi was jettisoned from the Spider-Man train when Sony opted to reboot the series and following dalliances with World of Warcraft OTGAP is the next film placed in front of the Evil Dead director.
Next up is the 3D CG animated sequel of sorts to the 1939 film, Summertime Entertainment’s Dorothy of Oz and there’ll be plenty of happy Glee fans tonight at the news that one of the stars of the hit high school musical TV show, Lea Michele, has landed right in the ruby slippers and will play the title character.
Bryan Adams will provide original songs and there’s a weirdly incredulous line up of voice talent to help Michele on her return journey over the rainbow in the form of Dan Akryod, Kelsey Grammar and Jim Belushi as the Scarecrow, Tin Man and (presumably not so) Cowardly Lion respectively. Dorothy of Oz is based on the writing of Frank L. Baum’s great-grandson Roger and has Martin Short and Oliver Platt as co-stars. That’s what Variety say anyway.
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