Sam Raimi is back at work for the first time since his well reviewed 2009 horror flick Drag Me to Hell. This week the director begins production on Oz: The Great and Powerful, a prequel to the L. Frank Baum classic The Wizard of Oz that works as the origin story for the legendary Wizard.
James Franco stars in Oz: The Great and Powerful as Oscar Diggs a small time circus magician. When he is hurled away in a dust storm, Oscar finds himself in the magical realm of Oz where he passes himself off as an all powerful wizard. While most are willing to accept his magic tricks as wizardry, three witches (Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis) are dubious of his talents.
Oscar must figure out which of the witches can be trusted and which are causing the strife throughout Oz if he is to survive and thrive in this magical realm. Zach Braff, Joey King and Abigail Spencer will co-star.
Oz: The Great and Powerful is based on the work of L. Frank Baum and was adapted by The Whole Ten Yards screenwriter Mitchell Kapner with a touch up from Rabbit Hole screenwriter David Lindsay-Abaire.
Sam Raimi and company are commencing filming at Raleigh Studios in Pontiac, Michigan. The director is actually originally from Michigan and got his start there filming portions of his original Evil Dead in Detroit and Marshall, Michigan in 1981.
Oz: The Great and Powerful is set to hit theaters in 2013.
