Dorothy: "The Wizard of Oz" is being turned into a series

The success of the prequel "Wicked" brought the "Wizard of Oz" franchise back onto the screen. Now the universe is to be further expanded with the series "Dorothy".

As Deadline reports, this will be a contemporary and musically influenced retelling of the classic "The Wizard of Oz", aimed primarily at a younger audience. At the center of the story is the legendary "Yellow Brick Road", which in this version serves as a metaphor for the challenges, decisions and life paths of young adults.

Among others, singer Gwen Stefani is involved as a producer and is expected to contribute her creative perspectives and experience to the project. The screenplay was written by Gina Matthews, who has already worked as a writer on "13 Going on 30", for example. Her personal connection to the material is a crucial point for the series adaptation. Quote:

"I've been in love with "The Wizard of Oz" books since I was a child. The story reminds us of the qualities we need to get through hard times, and Dorothy is a symbol of strength who shows us that with a little kindness — and a lot of grit — we can not only achieve great things but also lift up those around us. I'm excited to bring that message to the world, now more than ever."

Stefani herself is also enthusiastic:

"It's a creative and modern take on a classic, and being part of something that blends music, emotion, and the character of Dorothy is inspiring to me."

It is not yet known when exactly "Dorothy" will be available on Prime Video.

The most famous "The Wizard of Oz" adaptations on film

Since L. Frank Baum published his first book about the magical land of Oz in 1900, the story has inspired countless artists. While the book series includes more than a dozen sequels, it is above all the world of film that has made the story of Dorothy and her companions internationally immortal. Hardly any other literary model has been adapted so often and in such a variety of ways. Below is an overview of the best-known film adaptations that have shaped the myth to this day.

The MGM classic from 1939

The legendary MGM film from 1939 with Judy Garland as Dorothy is the undisputed leader of the Oz adaptations. With Technicolor, groundbreaking special effects and the unforgettable song "Over the Rainbow", the film set new standards in cinema.

Particularly impressive was the transition from the sepia-toned Kansas world to colorful Oz – a moment that embodied the magic of cinema like no other. Although the film was not initially a huge commercial success, over the decades it became one of the most famous films of all time. Today, it is considered cultural heritage and is an integral part of the collective memory.

Return to Oz (1985): the dark side of Oz

Almost half a century after the MGM classic, Disney ventured into a dark sequel: "Return to Oz" (1985). Inspired by Baum's books "The Marvelous Land of Oz" and "Ozma of Oz", the film depicted a ruined Emerald City and a land populated by bizarre creatures.

Dorothy, played by Fairuza Balk, has to face the sinister Wheelers, the tyrannical Princess Mombi and the new ruler, the Nome King. Stylistically much closer to the original books, the film dispensed with colorful musical numbers and focused on fantasy horror elements. Although the sequel was a financial failure when it was released, it developed into a cult film over the years. Fans of dark fantasy in particular still appreciate its eerie atmosphere to this day.

Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013): the prequel

With "Oz: The Great and Powerful" (2013), Disney once again brought a large-scale production to the cinema. Director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man) staged the film as a visually opulent prequel. The plot tells the story of how circus magician Oscar Diggs (played by James Franco) ends up in the Land of Oz, where he becomes the eponymous wizard. Three witches appear at his side: Glinda (Michelle Williams), Theodora (Mila Kunis) and Evanora (Rachel Weisz). The film focuses on how an ordinary person becomes a legend through cunning, courage and a little magic.

Visually, the production impressed with its elaborate CGI effects and detailed worlds, but in terms of content, the film received mixed reviews. Despite this, it grossed over 490 million US dollars and proved that the fascination with Oz remains undiminished in the 21st century.

Wicked (2024/2025): the prequel to the witches

Although "Wicked" originally became famous as a Broadway musical, it is currently experiencing its own major film version. The musical is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and tells the back story of the two most famous witches of Oz: the "Wicked Witch of the West" (Elphaba) and the "Good Witch of the North" (Glinda). The story shows that good and evil are often just a question of perspective. Friendship, power and prejudice are at the center, and the events run parallel to the well-known Dorothy storyline.

A timeless legacy

The film history surrounding Oz is a reflection of how changeable and versatile a single template can be. While the MGM classic stands for colorful dreams and timeless music, the sequel reveals the darker side of the fairy tale. "Oz: The Great and Powerful" builds a bridge to modern blockbuster worlds, and "Wicked" provided new perspectives and modern music. More than 120 years after Baum's first book, it is clear that the "Yellow Brick Road" is far from over. Every generation rediscovers it – sometimes as a nostalgic journey, sometimes as a spectacular reinvention.