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“The Wizard of Oz,” the legendary 1939 film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, remains a cultural touchstone, captivating audiences even nearly a century after its release. Yet, apart from the “Wicked” movies—whose second installment graces theaters on November 21—many other Oz-inspired films have struggled to find success, akin to a scarecrow lacking a brain or a tin man missing a heart. For a comprehensive look at these peculiar adaptations, watch the video linked above.
Among the earliest and most notable attempts was 1978’s “The Wiz.” Originally a hit Broadway musical, this reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” featured an all-black cast set against an urban backdrop. Despite the star power of director Sidney Lumet—renowned for “Dog Day Afternoon” and “Network”—and a cast including Richard Pryor as the Wizard, Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, and Diana Ross as Dorothy, the film didn’t fare well. While it ultimately developed a strong fan base thanks to its music, initial critical reception was poor, and audiences stayed away.
Another misstep was 1985’s “Return to Oz,” an underappreciated gem available on Disney+. This unofficial sequel to the 1939 classic took a surprisingly dark turn, drawing from Baum’s later books. With scenes involving electroshock therapy, the petrification of the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, and a princess who swaps heads, the film was deemed too terrifying for children and failed at the box office.
Over the years, Oz adaptations continued to venture into the bizarre. Crossovers like 2005’s “The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz” featured the beloved puppets as Baum’s characters but missed their usual comedic flair. The direct-to-video release “Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz” in 2011 somehow warranted a sequel in 2016. In 2013, “Oz the Great and Powerful” attempted to recapture the magic with stars like Michelle Williams and Mila Kunis under Sam Raimi’s direction, yet it remains largely forgotten today.
Television also had its share of Oz-inspired ventures. In 2007, the miniseries “Tin Man” presented a radically altered vision with Zooey Deschanel and Alan Cumming, transporting viewers to the Outer Zone, or O.Z. A decade later, “Emerald City” reimagined “Oz” as a gritty crime saga complete with police chases and intrigue, but it failed to resonate and was canceled by NBC after just 10 episodes.
The Oz adaptations got even odder as time went on
Disney
In the end, aside from the enduring 1939 film—which only became profitable a decade later upon re-release—the “Wicked” franchise stands as the unequivocal Oz success story, with “Wicked: For Good” poised to continue that legacy. While “Wicked’s” triumph might inspire studios to explore new directions with the Oz narrative, achieving a hit within this storied universe remains a formidable challenge. For a detailed exploration of these intriguing yet unsuccessful Oz projects, be sure to watch our video.
And let’s not forget the TV attempts. 2007 saw Zooey Deschanel and Alan Cumming star in the radically reimagined miniseries “Tin Man,” where DG (Deschanel) finds herself in the Outer Zone or O.Z. 2017’s “Emerald City” envisioned “Oz” as an unflinching crime saga, complete with bodies and cop chases. Clearly it didn’t quite work, and NBC cancelled it after 10 episodes.
So the only unadulterated Oz successes, besides the 1939 film (which itself didn’t even break even until a re-release 10 years later), are box office sensation “Wicked” and (hopefully) its continuation, “Wicked: For Good.” While “Wicked’s” success could encourage studios to try new things with the property, having an Oz-related hit is clearly easier said than done. Watch our video for a full rundown of all the failed Oz projects that have existed.
