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.

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.