The classic movie The Wizard of Oz will be shown in a much different way March 8. The original The Wizard of Oz first aired in 1939 starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, a girl from Kansas living with her aunt and uncle. When a tornado strikes her home, Dorothy is taken to a whole new place where witches and munchkins roam. Dorothy is on an adventure to find the powerful Oz in order to find a way to return home. The new movie Oz the Great and Powerful is the prequel of The Wizard of Oz starting from the beginning and follows Oscar Diggs and how he became the great and powerful Oz.

Any spin on a classic film has big shoes to fill, and this one is attempting to do so with a star-studded cast. With the character of Oz played by James Franco, Mila Kunis as Theodora, the wicked witch, and Michelle Williams playing the part of the good witch, Glinda. “The whole film seems like an interesting concept on such a classic story. Not to mention Mila Kunis looks like she’s gonna kick butt as the Wicked Witch.” said sophomore Roger Dawley. Director of the Spider-Man trilogies, Sam Raimi joins forces with producers of Alice in Wonderland (2010). The film opens in black and white footage taking you back to the depression-era, just as the classic Wizard of Oz opens. According to screenrant.com, “Sam Raimi has definitely made a colorful and imaginative version of the land of Oz for audiences to experience with a combined sense of familiarity and new awe.” Color in the film will be sure to pop while being shown in 2D, and also 3D.

The plot of the film revolves around Oscar Diggs, a circus magician from Kansas who discovers the Land of Oz. Thinking everything is looking up for Diggs, due to the fame and the fortune he accidentally receives upon his arrival, Oz meets the three witches. Now Diggs has to figure out who is good and who is evil. Throughout his journey through the Land of Oz, Diggs will find who he really is by using his “magic.” Through illusions and wizardry Oscar Diggs will work his way up to become the great and powerful Oz.

With such a powerful cast, Oz the Great and Powerful should make an impact on the box office. James Franco playing Oz will add a different twist to the movie. “I grew up watching the Wizard of Oz, so I’m excited to see a new take on it,” said junior Holly Casali. The prequel will show who the great Oz really is, and how he became who he is. Find Oz the Great and Powerful in 2D and 3D in movie theatres all around, and see how the Emerald City came to be.