Wicked Isn’t The Only Wizard Of Oz Musical Deserving A Movie Remake

2024 marked the release of Jon M. Chu’s movie version of “Wicked,” which made a significant impact. This success suggests that another musical spinoff from “The Wizard of Oz” might also shine brightly. Released towards the end of the previous year, “Wicked” captivated audiences, generating $752 million at the box office and receiving an impressive 87% critical rating and a remarkable 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As fans eagerly anticipate the sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” they might want to explore another Wizard of Oz musical that debuted half a century ago in the meantime.

There’s no denying that the story of Wicked is unique and captivating, but it isn’t the sole tale influenced by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Initially penned by Gregory Maguire, Wicked delves into the life of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West who endures discrimination due to her unique skin tone and attends a magical school called Shiz. It’s worth mentioning that Wicked offers a prequel perspective on The Wizard of Oz, but there exists another spin-off that ventures in an entirely distinct (yet equally captivating) direction.

Wicked’s Success Proves The Wiz Deserves A Cinematic Remake

The Wiz Explained

Back in 1974, well before the creation of “Wicked”, another adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” made its debut on Broadway – a musical titled “The Wiz”. Unlike traditional adaptations, this musical features an entirely Black cast. In “The Wiz”, we find Dorothy Gale, a 24-year-old school teacher living in Harlem with her aunt and uncle, who gets swept away by a storm and ends up in the land of Oz. This version offers fresh takes on L. Frank Baum’s iconic characters as well as new musical numbers. Later in 1978, it was transformed into a film starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, among others.

Fast-forward to 2024, there’s no denying that Wicked has been a tremendous hit, and given this success, it might be just the right moment for a comeback of another Oz tale: The Wiz. With enthusiasm for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz running high, The Wiz, like Wicked, could captivate audiences with its unique spin on the classic story. Since the original movie adaptation of The Wiz was released so long ago, and received criticism from many critics, it might be a good idea to remake it, thereby giving it another chance to shine and keeping the wave of excitement post-Wicked alive.

Why The Wiz Works As A Unique Counter To Wicked

The Wiz Is Eternally Relevant

Besides having a common theme, “The Wiz” serves as an intriguing contrast to “Wicked.” While “Wicked” portrays Oz as biased against those perceived as odd or unusual, especially through Elphaba’s character, “The Wiz” uses the world and characters of “The Wizard of Oz” to illustrate the Black experience, focusing on the impact of slavery and displacement on African-Americans. In essence, both stories tackle similar issues, albeit from different perspectives.

A fresh adaptation of “The Wiz” wouldn’t just continue the discussion sparked by “Wicked“, but it would also resonate culturally. Even after 50 years since its debut, the topic of racism in America remains significant. With a bit of refinement, “The Wiz” could address these same issues in a more contemporary context. Furthermore, this kind of project offers a more authentic portrayal of Black characters compared to other remakes that alter races merely for convenience. Indeed, “The Wiz” is an authentic representation specifically designed to shed light on racial matters.

Now Is The Perfect Time For A Movie Based On The Wiz

The Wiz’s Cast Could Be Outstanding

Indeed, this moment presents an ideal opportunity for a fresh take on the classic film “The Wiz.” With the buzz surrounding “The Wiz” generated by the success of “Wicked,” it could effectively sustain interest in the world of “The Wizard of Oz.” Beyond that, the movie carries a deep and relevant narrative for today’s times. This is an auspicious period to remake a film with such poignant themes. Furthermore, there seems to be a growing enthusiasm for musical films, and “The Wiz” could undoubtedly benefit from the success of movies like “Wicked, West Side Story, In The Heights,” and more.

One additional benefit is that a contemporary adaptation of “The Wiz” could be produced. The 1978 cast of “The Wiz” was extraordinarily influential, featuring music legends such as Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Similarly, shows like “Wicked” have capitalized on this trend with stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In the future, a comparable ensemble could be assembled for “The Wiz,” potentially amplifying excitement even more. Essentially, the success of “Wicked” has created an opportunity for “The Wiz,” one that I hope Hollywood will seize.

2025-04-23 12:29