New Line Cinema is producing a new film adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum children’s novel, with Nicole Kassell, the visual architect of Watchmen, set to direct. Originally written in 1900, the book is now in the public domain, and therefore open to interpretation by others.
Kassell’s version will not be a musical as many might think. New Line said it will be a “fresh take” and a “reimagining” of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. With New Line and the 1939 film owned by Warner Brothers, the new film will be able to use such trademarked elements as Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers.
“While the 1939 musical is part of my DNA, I am exhilarated and humbled by the responsibility of re-imagining such a legendary tale,” said Kassell in a statement. “The opportunity to examine the original themes — the quest for courage, love, wisdom and home — feels more timely and urgent than ever. These are profoundly iconic shoes to fill, and I am eager to dance alongside these heroes of my childhood as we pave a newly minted yellow brick road!”
Produced by the Walt Disney Company in 2013 and directed by Sam Raimi, Oz the Great and Powerful starring James Franco was the most recent take on the original film set 20 years before the events of the 1939 classic.
Stay tuned to this space for news on the upcoming production.
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Photo: Ray in Manila