Get ready for a magical adventure! A new film based on the beloved Oz series is in the works, and it's all thanks to the genius of Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind the blockbuster hit 'Wicked'.
In an exclusive interview with The National, Schwartz revealed that he and his collaborator, writer Winnie Holzman, are crafting a follow-up to both 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Wicked', but with a twist. This time, the spotlight shines on Princess Ozma, a character who has captured the hearts of fans for her unique journey.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Ozma is a fascinating figure in L. Frank Baum's Oz series. She was born as a girl but was magically transformed into a boy named Tippetarius to secure the Wizard's throne. After being raised as a boy, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reclaiming her true identity as the rightful ruler of Oz.
Schwartz and Holzman have been working on this project for years, and the excitement is palpable. In the interview, Schwartz shared that the film will be a direct adaptation of Baum's original work, paying homage to the rich world he created. But here's the intriguing part: it will have its own unique spin, focusing on Ozma's story and her impact on the Land of Oz.
'I feel a little funny announcing this, because I don't know that it will happen, but we're at work on it,' Schwartz said. 'We went to Universal, and they're very interested. So, we're going to see if it will lead somewhere.'
The concept for this film was born from the mind of producer and artist George Makrinos, who wrote the 'Ages of Oz' book series under the pen name Gabriel Gale. Makrinos approached Schwartz and Holzman with the idea, and they were instantly captivated by the story.
'George approached Winnie and me for this, and we were very taken with the story he wants to tell,' Schwartz explained. 'It's a direct adaptation of Baum's original material, but with our own creative twist. We're exploring the rich narratives that Baum added to the first book, and it's tentatively titled 'Ozma'.'
As fans of the Oz series, we can't help but feel thrilled and eager to witness this project come to life. Will it capture the magic of the original stories? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: it's a project worth watching!
