DIsney just released the first trailer of OZ, The Great and Powerful, directed by Sam Raimi, and to be released iMarch 8, 2013. The movie is a prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he's hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone's been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz™ but into a better man as well.
After watching the trailer, i instantly thought: "oh-oh this one seems to be a good one!" and i have a very good feeling on this movie. Not only because it is the great Sam Raimi who is behind the camera, but simply because i think they probably finally succeeded to create a new OZ movie which finds back the magic of the first one, and i thought it was impossible, or at least i was very doubtful. James Franco and Michelle Williams along with others actors will be fine if not excellent and now i can't wait to see the movie!
That said, i also can't wait to see how successful OZ, the Great and Powerful will be. Why? Because, of how the movie will be successful or not probably depends the OZ land project designed by WDI Imagineer Tony Baxter which is envisioned for the back of Disneyland's Frontierland. It's part of the big projects for Disneyland, along with the Tomorrowland expansion
revealed by Al Lutz recently. As far as i know this OZ land has not received the green light yet but apparently Tony Baxter was seen recently walking in the park with Bob Iger, and if you want my feeling they were not meeting in Disneyland to discuss the quality of Disneyland popcorn!
So, let's wait and see for this OZ land, and in the meantime have a look at the trailer below, as well at an interview of James Franco. Afterwhat you're very welcome to let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Picture and video: copyright Disney
