Dorothy Won't Be In Disney's OZ Sequel, Could WB's Competing Oz Films Be A Reason?

Producer Joe Roth states to LATimes that the Oz sequel "would absolutely not" have Dorothy involved. It might be to keep the Wizard going as there is a 20 year gap between the Wizard's arrival and Dorothy's according to writer Mitchell Kapner (recently hired to write the next film). Keeping what seemed to work which was James Franco as the main character along with setting up more mythology. I still think that Mombi and The Gnome King could have their origins explored in future films.

However, something else could be a reason Dorothy won't be in the film. Warner Bros. owns the original Wizard of Oz including many of the creative choices of the film like the look of Dorothy and many other things (Emerald City, ruby slippers, flying monkeys, wicked witch). Before Oz came out WB had at least three film projects in development. Oz: The Return To Emerald City had a solid concept as it would focus on Dorothy's granddaughter returning to Oz to fight a new evil. That project had a script written by Josh Olson (History of Violence). If Warner Bros. moved forward they would need to separate themselves from the Disney films. Perhaps, brining back Dorothy as the lead for their competing film if the studio decides to make one. It's possible that Disney could end up taking cues and having Dorothy's absent mother incorporated into their franchise instead of having to rely on her.

SPECULATION: Sam Raimi A Prime Candidate To Direct DOCTOR STRANGE?

Sam Raimi has recently confirmed that he has no plans to come back to direct the sequel to Oz, The Great And Powerful. Giving the impression he might only end up producing it, if that. This might allow him to consider other budding projects that could use from of the Raimi magic. One big project without a director is Marvel's new Phase Three feature Doctor Strange. The project has been all but given a release date by Marvel and could end up starting production sometime in 2015. Giving potential directors plenty of time to round out another feature before jumping into Strange. I haven't really attributed names that could do Strange justice besides Guillermo del Toro who is currently beyond busy with a massive amount of projects. Raimi actually could be perfect to create the world of Strange. Not to mention having deep Marvel roots already with his Spider-Man trilogy.

Sam Raimi clearly is on Marvel's radar completing a successful Marvel trilogy with his Spider-Man films. The latter installment not exactly heralded by fans, mainly due to it's rushed production and haphazard script (written at times while scenes were being shot). Raimi had even pursued Spider-Man 4 which was on the hinge of shooting but was ultimately cut over budgetary issues. Anne Hathaway was set for Black Cat and John Malkovich was going to play The Vulture. Sadly, the film never happened and Sam would walk from the Spidey franchise. He finally saw Amazing Spider-Man recently and said he loved it. Perhaps, healing ties with both Sony and Marvel? He's obviously a big fan of Spidey and Strange co-creator Steve Ditko, naming a supporting character after him (Peter's landlord Mr. Ditkovich). Also adding a hint to Stephen Strange in Spider-Man 2 as Joe's Pizza has a similar address of Mr. Strange.

During the early days of Spider-Man 4 there had been talk of Morbius being a possible addition to the villain roster. An interview while promoting Drag Me To Hell with Empire and a video interview with FearNet had the director talk about his interest in Morbius and vampires. Only Marvel's Kevin Feige can speak to this but Morbius might be back at Marvel as the Blade rights (including Tomb of Dracula) reverted back to them, when New Line Cinema failed to make more films. Morbius (fellow NYC doctor) was in the deleted ending to the original Blade and might not even be eligible for Spider-Man films. Director Stephen Norrington had originally planned on using Morbius as the villain in his sequel to Blade but it was ultimately changed when Guillermo del Toro signed on. Strange has fought vampires (most notably Dracula), werewolves (Werewolf By Night/Jack Russell) and demons previously. It would make sense to place Morbius (perhaps a villain turned ally?) and other characters like that within the Doctor Strange films. Sam likes the combination of superhero plus supernatural which is basically describes Strange as a concept. Having Strange start off fighting vampires could be way to hold off more powerful villains for future installments. Along with reintroducing Blade to audiences which Marvel seems to be keen on. I also wouldn't be shocked to see Morbius saved for a Blade reboot.

“I like it in the Marvel comics when Spider-Man fights Morbius,” said Raimi. “He’s really cool. A vampire! I like that combination of superhero plus supernatural.”

He still has comics on the brain as he was trying to put together a new version of the classic comic/pulp/radio supernatural anti-hero The Shadow which he had been developing before Oz. If Raimi was considered for Strange he would have enough time to complete a film like The Shadow before pre-production on Doctor Strange would need to begin in 2015. Avengers 2 and Ant-Man are due out in 2015 would could see Strange getting a late Summer or early Fall release in 2016. As it would make a perfect spooky Halloween adventure film. Raimi had previously been attached to Warcraft at WB which has since gone to Duncan Jones. Along with talk of Evil Dead 4 this week which turned out to be a joke Sam made. At this point besides a producing a few projects Raimi doesn't have much in the way of full length directing efforts.

His connection to Disney via Oz could be similar to how Joe Johnston (Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, The Rocketeer) ended up directing Captain America: The First Avenger. A bigger directing name than previous and current directors along with a couple of major hits under his belt (a bit of an understatement for Raimi). Johnston only made the first installment helping to flush out Cap's origins and setting up his mythos. Raimi could be a solid creative mind to setup the macabre/occult superhero within the MCU. He's already tackled magic in Oz not to mention dark laced humor with films like Drag Me To Hell and the Evil Dead franchise. Along with his more serious than usual supernatural thriller The Gift. Raimi certainly has a stronger following/fanbase than Guillermo (last person attached to direct Strange) and that could also be another factor to consider Sam for the job.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  COULD OR SHOULD SAM RAIMI DIRECT DOCTOR STRANGE? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!

Sam Raimi Says He Won't Be Directing The OZ Sequel

While the cast of Oz, The Great And Powerful are posed for a return for Disney's fast-tracked sequel. It doesn't seem to be the case for director Sam Raimi. He tells ComingSoon that he left the door open in the film for another director to make a sequel but another one doesn't interest him.

"I haven’t planned on directing the sequel," Raimi says. "I did leave some loose ends for another director if they want to make the picture... I was attracted to this story but I don’t think the second one would have the thing I would need to get me interested." 

Of course this could be a negotiating tactic usually actors sign multiple film contracts for potential franchises but it's not always the case for their directors. The film is tracking around 70m+ domestically for the weekend that success might allow Raimi to ask for more money or help boost original projects in the future. Sam had stated during the press tour that he and his brother were working on a Evil Dead 4 script over the Summer, but was quickly retracted.

Disney Already Working On Sequel To OZ, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

Variety reports that Disney isn't waiting for final box office numbers to move forward with a sequel to Oz, The Great And Powerful. Even with mixed reviews and somewhat lukewarm reception the film is tracking excessively high. So with that in mind the studio has brought back screenwriter Mitchell Kapner a few months back to begin a new script. Details haven't been revealed but it's safe to say that James Franco, Michelle Williams and others will be returning. It's likely Disney is moving quickly because they don't want to have to wait as long as they will for the Alice In Wonderland sequel. While nothing has been mentioned it could be possible that Dorothy might finally be back. I also wouldn't be shocked to see actress Joey King end up with the part.

I'd like to think they'd incorporate more Disney focused supporting characters such as Tick Tok and Jack Pumpkinhead from novels/Return to Oz for the next installment. Character designs which Disney flat out owns and wouldn't need to change. As Warner Bros. owns the original Wizard of Oz and many creative changes had to be made for Oz. Including the iconic ruby slippers being turned back to their original silver. I'd kid in me would love to see villains such as the Gnome King and Mombi make a return, having their origins explored a bit. It was awesome how scary those characters were in Return to Oz, nowadays wouldn't fly with the Disney brass.

Full Trailer For Sam Raimi's OZ, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

New Images From Sam Raimi's OZ, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

Sony Developing A Dracula Franchise

Hollywood seems to have found their new Snow White as a third Dracula project is now in development. Deadline reports that Sony Pictures has bought a pitch from writer Jason Keller focusing on a new untitled Dracula film. Details are scarce on the project but it's expected to be yet another origin story mixing the mythology of Dracula and real life Vlad The Impaler stories. The studio is aiming to develop this as a period piece franchise. It seems to have a bit of weight behind it with producer Joe Roth attached to it.

Roth is best known for producing Alice In Wonderland along with upcoming films Snow White And The Huntsman, Oz, The Great And Powerful and the Sleeping Beauty film Maleficent starring Angelina Jolie. Keller's credits are a mixed bag with films including the terrible looking Snow White cheese-fest Mirror, Mirror. Yet, he's also responsible for Machine Gun Preacher, rewrites on The Tomb (Stallone/Schwarzenegger) and a Michael Mann racing project Go Like Hell. It's interesting to see Keller and Roth working together as the pair worked on competing Snow White films recently.

There are two other Dracula focused films in the works. The first one from Warner Bros., Harker is less similar to this movie as Jonathan Harker a Scotland Yard detective focusing the trail of murders by Dracula being mistaken as a serial murderer. Universal's Dracula Year Zero seems to be the direct competition here as they both feature on the Vlad The Impaler connection. It's unknown at this point if this will be a more fantasy cutesy inspired Dracula take similar to Alice or darker in tone like Huntsman. One thing is for sure that the idea that it's being looked as a franchise means it's going to be a PG-13.

Zach Braff In Talks To Join Oz, The Great & Poweful

Deadline reports that Zach Braff (Scrubs) is in final talks to join Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. Braff is taking the role of the Wizard's (Franco) assistant which had been originally offered to John C. Rielly. A big step down in my opinion and hope there are some charismatic male actors added to this cast. Zach joins James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Joey King.

Child Actress Joey King Lands Roles In Dark Knight Rises & Oz, The Great & Powerful

ShowBlitz reports that up and coming child actress Joey King (Battle: Los Angeles) has been cast in two rather large films. First she joined The Dark Knight Rises along with new additions Brett Cullen (Apollo 13) and Chris Ellis (Transformers). The role in that film is currently unknown but I wouldn't count out a young Talia al Ghul or Rachel Dawes. The site also reports that Joey has joined Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. Playing China Girl, a young girl made of porcelain who the Wizard (Franco) becomes somewhat of a father figure to after an evil witch (Weisz) kills her family. She joins James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz.

Michelle Williams Confirmed As Glinda In Sam Raimi's OZ

 It's been confirmed by Variety that Michelle Williams will play Glinda the good witch in Oz, The Great & Powerful. She will star alongside James Franco, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis in the Disney film directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Evil Dead).

Rachel Weisz In Talks For Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful

HeatVision confirms that Rachel Weisz is in talks to play evil witch Evanora in Oz, The Great & Powerful. She is one of three sisters who wants to rule Oz using dark magic. Michelle Williams, Hilary Swank and Blake Lively are likely to be still in contentions for the role of Glinda. James Franco (Wizard) and Mila Kunis (Theadora) are currently the only other cast members in the Sam Raimi film.

Disney Wants Michelle Williams For Oz

Vulture reports that Disney is trying to cast the rest of the roles for Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. They say that Raimi is championing Hilary Swank for the role of the elder witch while Disney wants Michelle Williams. I believe most of the time a director is right on the money but Sam has a trend of hiring plain-Jane actresses for his leads. From what I know about the synopsis the witches are supposed to be beyond gorgeous while Swank can be pretty at times she isn't as stunning as say Mila Kunis, Blake Lively or Michelle Williams. I have to side with Disney as Michelle is coming off some impressive roles in Shutter Island and Blue Valentine the latter earned her second Oscar nomination.

It's unknown if Blake Lively is still involved with the film as she just joined Oliver Stone's Savages. Vulture also reported that John C. Rilley was in talks to play the Wizard's (Franco) sidekick but is expected to get an offer for a role in Hunger Games instead. To be honest I'd rather see Rilley in Oz but let's hope Disney continues to give us a solid cast.

Blake Lively Could Play Glinda In Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful

Also in the Variety article that focuses on Blake Lively is another project she could be involved with. Blake is also up for a major role in Disney's Oz, The Great & Powerful. She would play Glinda the witch in the Sam Raimi film that focuses on the arrival of the Wizard (James Franco) via hot air balloon to the land of Oz. Mila Kunis (Black Swan) previously joined the film playing Theodora the sister of Glinda and eventually becomes an evil witch.

Mila Kunis WIll Play Theodora In Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful

Variety has official news that Mila Kunis (Book of Eli, Black Swan) has landed the role of good witch turned evil Theodora in Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. The Disney film which stars James Franco as a young Wizard who is a sexually charged snake oil salesman/illusionist. They also name Glinda and Evanora as the other witch roles which should be cast soon.

Mila Kunis Turns Down Akira To Star In Oz

Rising actress Mila Kunis is gathering praise for her performance in Black Swan and she's now being offered some big roles. According to Vulture Mila had been offered a role in The Hugh Brothers' Akira but turned it down to star opposite James Franco in Oz, The Great & Powerful. The Sam Raimi directed film for Disney chronicles the origin of The Wizard of Oz who will played by Franco. Kunis would play a young witch Theodorah who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of The West. Franco had also been linked to Akira but it looks like he's chosen to work on Oz instead.

James Franco In Talks For Oz, The Great & Powerful

HeatVision reports that James Franco (Pineapple Express, 127 Hours) is in early talks to take the lead role in Disney's Oz, The Great & Powerful. Robert Downey Jr. who had been rumored previously for the role has passed on it along with other projects to focus on Avengers. There had been speculation that Johnny Depp would be the studio's second choice but he recently passed too.

James isn't the type of actor you'd expect in this womanizing/conman role but he's never been pinned down as certain type of actor. Franco is also being linked to other big projects like Ridley Scott's Prometheus and Wrath of The Titans. I'm still holding out hope that Franco will join the Prometheus cast. I wouldn't be shocked to see director Sam Raimi hire him since they've worked together on the Spider-Man films.