BuzzSugar

We're Off to See the CG-Animated Wizard of Oz

BuzzSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:30:35 PST

Just as we're getting a Three Stooges movie for a new generation of moviegoers, The Wizard of Oz will also be reappearing on the big screen - in CG animation. The $25 million project is backed by a French production company and will be based on Frank Baum's original novel.

The Variety article adds, "The English-language adaptation maintains the tale's main characters and settings. Unlike the MGM classic, however, it's not a musical."

On the one hand, with today's animation technology, the possibilities are limitless for what Oz might look like, and that could be awesome. On the other hand, do we need another Wizard of Oz movie? Is this messing with a classic? What do you think?

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Saturday Comic-Con Must Sees

GeekSugar — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:10:22 PDT

Two days completed at Comic-Con; ready for more? Saturday's schedule promises great Hall H content, as well as the opportunity to explore the spiritual side of superheroes, gain a backstage look at favorite TV shows, and a gamer sneak peek. We've listed what to prioritize for the day and would love to hear your plans as well!

From Buddha to Batman: Deepak Chopra and Grant Morrison Discuss The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes, 10-11 a.m. - At Comic-Con five years ago, spiritual guru Deepak Chopra spoke with comic writer Grant Morrison on the role superheroes play in society. This conversation eventually became Deepak Chopra's latest book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes. Both men return along with Deepak's son, Gotham Chopra, founder of Liquid Comics, to discuss the spirituality of superheroes and how they relate to our current culture. Location: Room 6A
Attack of the Show Attacks Comic-Con, 10-11 a.m. - Get a behind-the-scenes look at G4's Attack of the Show as an audience member of its Comic-Con episodes. Hosts Kevin Pereira and Candace Bailey moderate an interactive Comic-Con-style panel that will also have special audience giveaways and games. Location: Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
MTV Comics, 11a.m.-12 p.m. - Comics legend Stan Lee and the editors of MTV Comics discuss the upcoming digital book The Seekers, which asks writers and artists to send submissions to create a collaborative work. Location: Room 7AB
TWIXT: Francis Ford Coppola and Dan Deacon, 11:45-12:45 p.m. - Director Francis Ford Coppola teams with musician Dan Deacon to present clips from the upcoming film TWIXT. The audience will take part in a dress rehearsal of the completely innovative way it will be performed. Location: Hall H

Want more? Follow the break for Futurama and Patrick Stewart.

Casting Update: Who's in For Oz: The Great and Powerful

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 27 May 2011 11:30:41 PDT

Oz: The Great and Powerful is the latest film project to put a new spin on a childhood classic. Like Broadway musical Wicked, this take on The Wizard of Oz will be a prequel to Dorothy's experience down the yellow brick road, but this time it will be told from the perspective of the wizard himself. The 3D movie is set for a 2013 release, so even though that's a long ways away, I've put together a list of who's been cast so far so you'll know what you're in for.

James Franco will star in the title role as the wizard, a magician whose air balloon blows off course and ends up in the Emerald City, where the citizens look to him to help get rid of the wicked witch plaguing them. Before Franco, Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. were both attached to the part.
Mila Kunis will play Theodora, the youngest of the three witches who starts out as good, but is convinced by her evil sister to go bad, ending up as the Wicked Witch of the West. No confirmation yet on whether she'll have green skin, but my fingers are crossed.
Rachel Weisz is set to play Evanora, Theodora's older and much more evil sister, the Wicked Witch of the East.
Michelle Williams will play Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and symbol of good in the kingdom.
Zach Braff is the latest to join the cast as Frank, Oz's loyal assistant in the Emerald City. It's been speculated that the character is based on author L. Frank Baum.
Sam Raimi will direct the film, having signed on last Summer. He's best known for helming the three Spider-Man films, so he should be more than ready to take on the effects of the 3D Oz.
Mad Men's Abigail Spencer will play a woman who lets the wizard perform magic tricks on her while in Kansas.