Disney’s latest feature, Oz The Great and Powerful, is barely out in theaters and the studio is already in the planning stages of a sequel. The Wizard of Oz prequel film must have received some impressive projected opening numbers because the studio has already signed a screenwriter for the follow-up project.
Mitchell Kapner (The Whole Nine Yards), who co-wrote the Oz script with David Lindsay-Abaire, will pen the sequel. The big question though is whether or not Director Sam Raimi will return for another round. His creative vision and impressive use of 3D made Oz The Great and Powerful a real treat for the eyes and we can only hope that he’ll hop on board for the sequel.
There’s also the question of whether or not James Franco would return. The actor seems at home with his role in the first film, which seems to play on his quirky nature, so it would definitely be interesting to see him reprise it in a future film.
According to Variety, there’s no news on what the plot might entail but the ending to the current film leaves the possibilities pretty open. It also helps that the source material, L. Frank Baum’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, has now become public domain.
Personally, I’d like to see them transition into the 1939 film more, which would also be a convenient set-up for a Wizard of Oz remake. Although there’s always a debate about “ruining” classics by remaking them, I’d wager it would ultimately be worth it for the studio. Even with the challenge of coming to some sort of deal with Warner Bros., who has exclusive rights to the iconic props and the original film, it could be a financial jackpot for all parties – and a great movie for audiences.
Are you ready to return to Oz, or is Oz The Great and Powerful all the fantasy world you can handle? Let us know in the comment section below!