NEW YORK (AP) – Will we see the wizard again, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
New Line Cinema makes a new adaptation of “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 generated many adaptations over the years – the most famous, of course, is the 1939 musical MGM by Victor Fleming and starring Judy Garland.
Kassell’s version will not be a musical. New Line said it will be a “new version” and a “reinvention” of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” It will also have some advantages, as Warner Bros. owns New Line and the 1939 movie. This means you can use some branded items like ruby slippers.
“While the 1939 musical is part of my DNA, I am thrilled and humiliated by the responsibility of re-imagining such a legendary tale,” Kassell said in a statement. “The opportunity to examine the original themes (the pursuit of courage, love, wisdom and home) feels more timely and urgent than ever. They are deeply iconic shoes to fill and I am looking forward to dancing alongside these heroes of my childhood as you flatten a freshly minted yellow brick road! “
Kassell is executive producer of HBO’s “Watchmen” and directed three of its nine episodes, including The Pilot. He has worked mainly in television, but has directed the feature films “The Lumberjack” and “A Little Sky”.
The most recent movie of “The Wizard of Oz” emerged from Walt Disney Co.’s “Oz the Great and Powerful” movie. in 2013. Directed by Sam Raimi and starring James Franco, it was set 20 years before the events of the 1939 classic.
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