Synopsis: How the Wizard arrived in Oz and became the ruler. A prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Release Date:  March 8, 2013

Thoughts: Not to be outdone by the success of the novel and subsequent musical Wicked, a new prequel to The Wizard of Oz seen through the eyes of the titular character himself is set to be released.  With director Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Spider-Man) on board it appears that impressive visuals are the name of the game.  Personally, I think it looks eerily similar to Tim Burton’s stinker retool of Alice in Wonderland but I’m hoping against hope that Raimi doesn’t fall down that Burton rabbit hole.  The world of Oz still fascinates even today and I think there are enough stories to tell from different angles that it doesn’t feel overdone…it just needs to be done right.  I’m not sold on James Franco as Oz but the rest of the cast looks like an impressively interesting lot.  One thing is for sure…I did get some tingles with that final image!