Fox News can confirm that a new adaptation of the classic children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is on its way to the big screen.
L. Frank Baum’s original novel was adapted on screen for ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in 1939 starring Judy Garland.
The upcoming movie is a new version of the novel – which follows Dorothy and Toto after being abducted in a cyclone from their home in Kansas.
The film is produced by New Line, produced by Warner Bros. owned. The studio also owns the rights to the 1939 film. The crossover means that the film, unlike other adaptations, can draw on familiar elements such as Dorothy’s ruby slippers.
YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T HEAR ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ SECRET
Nicole Kassell (“Watchmen”, “The Woodsman”) is going to direct. Marc Platt will co-produce with Temple Hill’s Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey.
A new adaptation of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is in the works at 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 sequels.
Darren Lemke wrote a previous draft of the screenplay, as did Neil Widener and Gavin James.
“I’m incredibly honored to bring this beloved classic to the screen with Temple Hill and New Line,” Kassell said. “Although the 1939 musical is part of my DNA, I am excited and humbled by the responsibility of re-imagining such a legendary story.”
BERT LAHR’S DAUGHTER SS ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ ACTOR WAS A SWEET HERMIT WHO DIDN’T TALK TOO MUCH
She added: “The opportunity to explore the original themes – the search for courage, love, wisdom and home – feels more timely and urgent than ever before. These are very iconic shoes to fill, and I’m eager to work with them. heroes of me to dance. childhood when we made a custom yellow brick road! ‘
Filmmaker Nicole Kassell will be in charge of the project. (Photo by Rachel Luna / WireImage)
Fox News has their representatives for Kassell and Warner Bros. issued for comment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
1939’s “Wizard of Oz” won two Oscars for his music. The iconic tune “Over the Rainbow” earned an award, as did the film’s score.
The picture was also nominated for five other Oscars, including Best Picture. Frank Morgan and Billie Burke also played.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is considered by the Library of Congress to be ‘America’s greatest and most beloved fairy tale’.