A new adaptation of the classic children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is hitting the big screen, Fox News can confirm.
L. Frank Baum’s original novel was adapted for the screen in 1939 in “The Wizard of Oz”, starring Judy Garland.
The next film will be a new take on the novel – which follows Dorothy and Toto after being dragged from their home in Kansas by a cyclone.
The film will be produced by New Line, which is owned by Warner Bros. The studio also owns the rights to the 1939 film. The crossover means that, unlike other adaptations, the film will be able to rely on famous elements like Dorothy’s ruby sneakers.
THE SECRETS OF ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ YOU LIKELY HAVE NOT HEARD
Nicole Kassell (“Watchmen”, “The Woodsman”) is ready to direct. Marc Platt will produce alongside Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey of Temple Hill.
A new adaptation of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is underway on New Line. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images)
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was originally published in 1900 and was so popular that Baum followed the novel with 13 sequences.
Darren Lemke wrote an earlier draft of the script, as did Neil Widener and Gavin James.
“I am incredibly honored to join Temple Hill and the New Line to bring this beloved classic to the screen,” said Kassell. “Although the 1939 musical is part of my DNA, I am happy and humble with the responsibility to rethink such a legendary story.”
BERT LAHR’S DAUGHTER SAYS “THE MAXIMUM ACTOR OF OZ WAS” A SWEET HERMIT WHO DIDN’T SPEAK LOT “
She added: “The opportunity to examine the original themes – the search for courage, love, wisdom and home – seems more timely and urgent than ever. These are deeply iconic shoes to fill, and I look forward to dancing alongside these heroes from the my childhood while paving a newly minted yellow brick road! “
Filmmaker Nicole Kassell will lead the project. (Photo by Rachel Luna / WireImage)
Fox News contacted representatives from Kassell and Warner Bros. to comment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“Wizard of Oz” from 1939 won two Oscars for his music. The iconic song “Over the Rainbow” won an award, as did the film’s soundtrack.
The film was also nominated for another five Oscars, including the best film. Frank Morgan and Billie Burke also starred.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was considered “the largest and most beloved homemade fairy tale in America” by the Library of Congress.