James Franco as the Wizard of Oz?
James Franco: Oz, the Great and Powerful? (Getty Images)
I don't think we're in Kansas anymore. According to the Hollywood Reporter, "It" boy/Oscar nominee/Oscar host James Franco is in talks to star in "Oz, the Great and Powerful," Disney's prequel take on "The Wizard of Oz."
This, as Jen noted this morning, only solidifies James Franco's status as the Johnny Depp of his generation since Depp himself reportedly passed on the project. Or perhaps he's the Robert Downey Jr. of his generation, since Downey also declined the gig two weeks ago.
The Hollywood Reporter is quick to point out that Franco has not met with director Sam Raimi and no formal dealmaking is underway. Just speculation that Franco may be tapped to play the man behind the curtain.
Original Oz Frank Morgan.
The movie would center on how Oz ended up as the big cheese of Emerald City, chronicling his hot-air balloon journey into a land held in the thrall of two wicked witches. In the original 1939 movie, Oz was played by character actor Frank Morgan.
Killer idea for Sam Raimi: soundtrack by Pink Floyd.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
By
Liz Kelly
| February 7, 2011; 11:26 AM ET
Categories:
Celebrities, James Franco
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Posted by: sasquatchbigfoot | February 7, 2011 12:53 PM | Report abuse
I wish they select someone already. Started from Robert Downey, then Depp and now James. Wondering who is next.
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Wizard of Oz
Posted by: wizard_of_oz | February 9, 2011 11:29 AM | Report abuse
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One minor change in the re-make:
"Bring me the arm of the wicked Witch of the West. And make sure it's in working order."