With word that a projected North American gross of around $80 million is expected this weekend, Disney has seen the (green) light and given a sequel to OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL the go ahead. The prequel to fantasy classic, THE WIZARD OF OZ, has a massive budget close to $200 million but it may just be possible, when you factor in it’s release around the world, it could be in profit by the end of the week.
There are currently no plot details available at this point, but there are plenty of author L. Frank Baum’s books to be adapted set in the colourful land of Oz. Screenwriter Mitchell Kapner (who co-wrote the Sam Raimi-directed film with David Lindsay-Abaire) is currently working on a first draft of the script after Disney felt it was worth moving forward several months ago, so impressed they were with Raimi’s vision.
OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL is released today and stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachael Weisz and Zach Braff. Read our review HERE
Source: Variety
