Hold on to your ruby red slippers and repave the yellow brick road: A “Wizard of Oz” remake is in the works at New Line Cinema.
Nicole Kassell (“Watchmen”) is directing the film, an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Baum’s story has been retold on the big and small screen many times over the years; the most memorable being the classic 1939 musical starring Judy Garland.
Yet New Line promises the upcoming film will be a “fresh take” on Dorothy and the Land of Oz, adding that it can “draw on other elements” from Garland’s “Wizard of Oz” — like the prized ruby red slippers.
“I am incredibly honored to join Temple Hill and New Line in bringing this beloved classic to the screen,” Kassell said. “While the 1939 musical is part of my DNA, I am exhilarated and humbled by the responsibility of re-imagining such a legendary tale. 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!”
