In about two weeks, Disney will take audiences back to the magical land of Oz to tell the tale of how they got their wizard. Featuring some of Hollywood’s shining stars such as Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, Bruce Campbell, and more, ‘Oz The Great And Powerful’ continues the current trend of reimagining classic fairytales with a new twist. And thanks to Comic Book Movie, you can get some sneak peeks of the film before it hits theaters.
In order to promote the film, like co-star Weisz before him, James Franco, who plays the title character in the film, appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ to promote the upcoming ‘Wizard of Oz’ prequel. During his interview, he talked about how he prepared for the role as Oscar Diggs, the circus magician who becomes the wonderful wizard. As part of his training, Franco reveals that he spent a few weeks with master magician Lance Burton to learn some magic for the movie. Additionally, during the interview, the actor revealed a new clip featuring himself and Glinda, played by Michelle Williams. You can check out this first clip below:
As for the second clip, it spotlights Oscar’s two companions that accompany him on his journey to defeat the wicked witch, Finley, voiced by ‘Scrubs’ star Zach Braff, and China Girl, voiced by Joey King. The video gives a slightly expanded look at the characters and the parts they’ll play in the film. You can check that clip out below, followed by the official synopsis of the film:
When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot–fame and fortune are his for the taking–that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity–and even a bit of wizardry–Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.
I can already see how this film will mirror the original story, which could be a good thing. Plenty of stories over the years have borrowed the ‘Wizard of Oz’ plotline, so we’ll see if ‘Oz The Great And Powerful’ does it well and keeps the audience interested.
What do you think of the latest clips from Sam Raimi’s upcoming adventure to Oz? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, and Rachel Weisz opens in theaters on March 8, 2013.