Wizard of Oz remake in the works

Are we off to see the wizard, the Great Wizard of Oz — once more?

New Line Cinema is making a brand new adaptation of The Great Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum youngsters’s novel, with Nicole Kassell, the visible architect of Watchmen, set to direct. Baum’s 1900 novel, now within the public area, has spawned many variations through the years — most famously, after all, the 1939 MGM musical by Victor Fleming and starring Judy Garland.

Kassell’s model won't be a musical. New Line mentioned it is going to be a “fresh take” and a “reimagining” of The Great Wizard of Oz. It'll have some benefits, too, since Warner Bros. owns New Line and the 1939 movie. Which means it could actually use some trademarked components just like the 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,” mentioned Nicole Kassell in a press release. “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!”

Kassell is an govt producer of HBO’s Watchmen and directed three of its 9 episodes, together with the pilot. She has labored primarily in tv however directed the function movies The Woodsman and A Little Little bit of Heaven.

The latest Wizard of Ouncesfilm got here from the Walt Disney Co.’s Ouncesthe Nice and Highly effective in 2013. Directed by Sam Raimi and starring James Franco, it was set 20 years earlier than the occasions of the 1939 traditional.