NEW YORK (AP) – Are we going to see the wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz – again?
New Line Cinema is re-adapting “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel, directed by Nicole Kassell, the visual architect of “Watchmen”. Baum’s 1900 novel, now in the public domain, has spawned many adaptations over the years – the most famous, of course, being Victor Fleming’s 1939 MGM musical starring Judy Garland.
Kassell’s version will not be a musical. New Line said it would be a “fresh look” and “reimagining” of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. It will also have some benefits, as Warner Bros. owns New Line and the 1939 film. That means it can use some trademark elements, like the ruby slippers.
“Although the 1939 musical is part of my DNA, I am thrilled and humbled by the responsibility of re-imagining such a legendary story,” Kassell said in a statement. “The chance to explore the original themes – the search for courage, love, wisdom and home – feels more timely and urgent than ever. These are very iconic shoes to fill, and I like to dance alongside these childhood heroes. a freshly beaten yellow brick road! “
Kassell is an executive producer of HBO’s “Watchmen” and has directed three of the nine episodes, including the pilot. She has mainly worked on television, but has directed the feature films “The Woodsman” and “A Little Bit of Heaven”.
The most recent “Wizard of Oz” movie came out of Walt Disney Co.’s “Oz the Great and Powerful” in 2013. Directed by Sam Raimi and starring James Franco, it played 20 years before the events of the 1939 classic.
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