An Unnecessary Remake is in the Works for “The Wizard of Oz”

I am starting to feel like there is no original idea left in Hollywood nowadays.  Don’t get me wrong I love a good remake as much as the next person but I think it’s time that someone creates their own thing that can be as big as say Star Wars.  Where am I going with this?  Well, today I found out that one of the best movies of all time (not to mention my favorite movie) is being remade.  Get ready to return to somewhere over the rainbow.

Yes, I am talking about the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz”.  One film that I thought would never get remade is currently in the process of being revamped with a “fresh take”.  What fresh take means in regards to “The Wizard of Oz” I’m not sure but I guess we will find out soon enough.

The movie will be released by New Line Cinema and directed by Nicole Kassell.  Kassell is known for her work on the HBO show “Watchmen”.  In an interview with Variety Kassell had this to say about the huge undertaking of remaking “The Wizard of Oz”,

“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!”

In the past, there have been several different versions and even prequels to the original story of Oz.  “The Wiz”, “Wicked” and “Oz The Great and Powerful” were all based on the story by Frank L. Baum but none were direct remakes of the film from 1939.  Why is that?  In my opinion, it’s because the original is perfect.  Even if you watch the film today it’s hard to pick out something that is wrong with it.  The themes that Kassell touched on in her interview still hold true and I think they always will.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

I might be jumping the gun with writing off this movie already but I just don’t see the need for a remake of a film that changed the movie industry.  It made color films a mainstay in Hollywood when many thought that there was no need for color in the movies.  Adding to the idea that movies can have an impact on society.  Not to mention “The Wizard of Oz” has been proven to be the most influential film of all time.

Clearly, I have a strong opinion about this.  What can I say?  I am a huge movie buff and appreciate the classics for what they are.  I’ll end by saying this, whenever the remake does come out, I will go see and if it turns out to be a good movie and does the original justice, I will eat my words and admit that I was wrong.  However, if it’s not very good you can guarantee that I will say something about it.