New Line Cinema’s adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has found its director in Emmy winner Nicole Kassell, known for directing episodes of Watchmen, Westworld, The Killing, and more (via Deadline).
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“I am incredibly honored to join Temple Hill and New Line in bringing this beloved classic to the screen,” Kassell said. “While 1939 musical is part of my DNA, I am exhilarated and humbled by the responsibility of re-imagining such a legendary tale. The opportunity to examine the original themes—the quest for courage, love, wisdom and home— feels more timely and urgent than ever. These are profoundly iconic shoes to fill, and I am eager to dance alongside these heroes of my childhood as we pave a newly minted yellow brick road.”
Pick up your copy of the novel here!
The beloved children’s book was originally published in 1900. The story inspired 13 additional Oz books and was famously adapted in 1939 with the Judy Garland-led, Oscar-winning classic musical feature The Wizard of Oz.
Previous screenplay drafts were reportedly written by Darren Lemke and the duo Neil Widener and Gavin James.
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Temple Hill partners Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey will produce along with Marc Platt. Isaac Klausner will serve as executive producer.
(Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
