RAMstar Studios is hard at work on their
Wizard of Oz prequel,
How The Wizard Came To Oz. The film, which is based on the 1991 book by author Donald Abbot, focuses on showman Oscar Diggs and his journey towards becoming the "mighty" Wizard met by Dorothy in the beloved original story.
The movie has a premise that seems very similar to Disney's 2013 prequel,
Oz the Great and Powerful, but producer BJ Plott has promised that their film will be a
“different story than Disney’s version,” namely focusing more on Oscar Diggs' life from childhood.
“It takes you on a journey from the Wizard’s childhood, through all the challenges he faces along the way to becoming the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz," Plott said in an interview with
Flicksided.
"This story brings insight into where all the characters in Oz originated.”
Casting is still underway, with Plott confirming that RAMstar has spoken to representatives for Amy Adams and Margot Robbie (as the good and wicked witches respectively). They are also still in pursuit of
Nathan Fillion for the main role.
“There are a lot of actors that would best suit the role. But for me, I feel Nathan is the best choice," Plott said.
"I love his show Castle. That character is similar to the wizard.”
The film will have a PG-13 rating but will also explore some darker territory.
“We’re thinking something similar to Harry Potter or the Gotham TV show,” Plott said. Production is expected to begin in 2017, filming in Los Angeles and Australia with a release planned for late 2018. Check out a design for the Wizard's costume and two fan-art posters below!
Discover how everyone's favorite humbug first found his way to Oz! When circus stuntman Oscar Diggs goes aloft in a balloon and is blown over the rainbow to the land of Oz at the time when both wicked witches are still alive and kicking, he's in for the biggest challenge of his life! Through a delicious set of misunderstandings, the people of Oz mistake Oscar for a mighty wizard and Oscar, ever the showman, plays right along. Staying one jump ahead of the two wicked witches is no easy feat, but Oscar's wit and bag of tricks help him carry the day!