“The Wizard of Oz” is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its US theatrical release on Tuesday. Today, the UK’s Sunday Express is reporting that a sequel set in the present day starring Dakota Fanning as Dorothy’s granddaughter could start filming as early as next year and quotes a Warner exec as saying the film will be “darker and more action packed.”
Basil Iwanyk is apparently on as a producer. And this, for me, is the money quote, from co-producer Todd McFarlane (yes, that Todd McFarlane):
You’ve still got Dorothy trapped in an odd place, but she’s much closer to the Ripley character from Alien [Sigourney Weaver] than a helpless singing girl.
Everything’s getting re-imagined these days. Your thoughts?
Comments
27 responses to “‘Wizard of Oz’ sequel in the works?”
Is nothing in film sacred??
Didn’t they already make this film over twenty years ago (Return to Oz)?? Boy…that was sure a big hit…
Kris…just wondering if you saw the upcoming film “9” yet, and if so, what your thoughts were on it??
Why can’t they just do ‘Wicked’ and that whole series? Well maybe because if Wicked wasn’t a musical people would flip a shit and if Wicked is a musical how would they do the sequels on film?
Agreed, why not just film “Wicked”? At least that would make sense unlike this remake/reimagining/revamping/rewhatever. Ugh.
Just sign up Tim Burton and it’ll be great! (This is sarcasm, I think.)
Wicked is apparently a 2010 release with two pairs of rumored leads: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1262426/
I am doubting the 2010 release date though.
Ridiculous. Of course it’ll be “darker and more action packed.”
I guess it’s better than just a damn remake.
This really isn’t Kansas anymore.
Uhhhhhh….it would be like…well…no idea. This is an awful idea. Now, if it were a Tropic Thunder-like idea about the making of a sequel, I’d be all for it. But an actual, real sequel? No, sorry, worst film-related idea in the past couple of years, bar making a Candy Land movie.
“…she’s much closer to the Ripley character from Alien [Sigourney Weaver] than a helpless singing girl.”
Because that’s what audiences really want to see, Dakota Fanning “kicking ass.” I’ll bet she’s going to wear skintight leather as well, because that’s the symbol of a strong woman according to modern-day Hollywood. Or maybe she’ll just be the bondage queen that’s portrayed in McFarlane’s toy line.
“Didn’t they already make this film over twenty years ago (Return to Oz)?? Boy…that was sure a big hit…”
Hey, I liked Return to Oz!
“Why can’t they just do ‘Wicked’ and that whole series?”
It has a page on IMDB…
Trailer voice: She’s back in Oz. And this time, it’s personal!
CUT TO:
Dorothy mowing down the inhabitants of Oz with a machine gun!
Her shoes will be red only because of the bloodbath. Imagine Dorothy using the Tinman as a weapon. The Flying monkeys are all fucked.
david: I did. I thought the story was a bit lacking, though certainly ambitious, and the animation was breathtaking.
Meh.
Dorothy like Ripley? L. Frank Baum is turning over in his grave! As others have stated, the better idea is to turn WICKED into a movie. It already has a proven track record, a built-in audience and is aesthetically more on track then Dorothy as a Ripley stand-in. Might I suggest that they could still get the originals if they act soon – Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth. However, if they feel the need to go with big stars then I would suggest Anne Hathaway and Amy Adams. They are good actresses, big stars and most importantly, can sing!
Return to Oz wasn’t bad…… as I remember it as a kid. Don’t know what I’d think about it now- I remember thinking it was kind of depressing with all the washed out colors and what happened to everyone in Oz.
Chalk this one up to the department of, “We’ve run out of ideas.” You know, the same department that brought you the 90210 rehash and upcoming Melrose Place.
John Boorman director of Deliverance & Excalibur is currently filming an animated version of “The Wizard of Oz” which he states will be a great companion piece to the classic ’39 original.
I like the idea & it’s not going to tarnish anything from the Garland original. We are officially in the Hollywood era of re-imaginings, updates, remakes, super sequel, prequel / origin story-itis. Audiences and critics had been bitching earlier in this decade & at the end of the 90’s with all of the sequels & remakes. But now it’s far worse. Everything is getting remade, redone, look we can do it better this way.
Going dark is the way every studio is going with their strongest properties (obviously after Batman’s reinvention). But let’s not forget you need a great script, a passionate direct, and spot on casting with good performances. I’m all for updates, revisions, re-imaginings of previous films with big fanbases but of course only if done right. Gus Van Sant style Psycho remakes are pointless.
When will the Godfather remake come out and destroy all of film history, once and for all?
OMG, I LOVED ‘Return to Oz’ as a child.
So scary for a child to watch.
That’s probably why I loved it. No kids movie could get away with that today.
“Is nothing sacred?” was my first thought.
I guess, even I can’t be original.
Looking forward to “Genesis” the sequel coming soon.
…ah, Return to Oz, Fairuza Balk in her finest. I liked that movie…
@ James D:
For all intents and purposes, Godfather III delivered on that promise.
I they do Dakota Fanning is a perfect choice.
I would love to see a big screen adaptation of “Wicked”…I think it is better if they do it know rather than dragging it along.
Although it will only be good if they use the original cast–Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
NOOOOOOOOOO.
and anyone other than Fanning. I agree, “Wicked” is more promising.
to be fair Baum wrote several Oz books so it’s not complete Hollywood greed mongering behind this.
I just died a little on the inside.
What’s next?
“Bambi: The Revenge”?
“Chitty Chitty Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”?
“Killing Nemo”?
There is also a CG Dorothy of Oz that will be released in April 2012. The cast includes Patrick Stewart, Megan Hilty, and High Dancy! Cant wait to check it out!