The Yellow Brick Road Reimagined: 4 New ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Projects Hitting Screens In 2024 And 2025

The Land of Oz is experiencing a renaissance, with no fewer than four major projects set to redefine the classic story for a new generation, beginning in late 2024 and continuing through 2025. This surge of interest, spurred by the enduring legacy of L. Frank Baum’s original novel and the iconic 1939 film, is delivering everything from a massive two-part movie musical to an AI-enhanced immersive experience. The most anticipated of these new ventures is the long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway sensation *Wicked*, which will finally bring the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West to the big screen. As of December 2025, the Oz universe is expanding across film, television, and groundbreaking immersive media, ensuring that the magic of the Yellow Brick Road continues to capture global imagination. Fans of the original tale and the Broadway musical have a packed schedule, with two major theatrical releases from Universal Pictures and a separate, modern cinematic remake also in the works. The sheer volume of high-profile projects confirms that the journey to the Emerald City remains one of Hollywood’s most valuable properties.

1. The Blockbuster Prequel: *Wicked* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025)

The most significant and highly-anticipated new cinematic journey to Oz is the two-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, *Wicked*. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this prequel story explores the complex, untold history of the two most famous witches of Oz: Elphaba Thropp, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda Upland, who becomes Glinda the Good. The decision to split the movie into two parts was made by director Jon M. Chu to ensure that the rich narrative and beloved songs of the stage production could be fully honored without sacrificing depth or cutting key material.

A. *Wicked* (Part One): Release Date and Plot Focus

The first installment, simply titled *Wicked*, is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 22, 2024. This film will cover the first act of the musical, focusing on the initial, fraught friendship between the two young women who meet as students at Shiz University. It tracks their rivalry, their shared experiences, and the pivotal moments that begin to set them on their separate paths toward their iconic destinies. The story is a profound look at how perception and power shape one’s legacy, exploring whether Elphaba was truly "wicked" or simply misunderstood.

B. *Wicked: For Good* (Part Two): The Climax

The second part, *Wicked: For Good*, is set for release on November 21, 2025. This film will complete the story, chronicling Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda’s rise to power, culminating in their final, dramatic confrontation. The title, *Wicked: For Good*, is a nod to the musical's themes of lasting impact and the complex nature of morality.

C. The Star-Studded Cast

The casting for the *Wicked* films has generated immense excitement, featuring a mix of powerhouse vocalists and esteemed actors:

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp: A Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner, Erivo brings her formidable vocal talent and dramatic intensity to the role of the misunderstood, green-skinned witch.
• Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland: The global pop superstar steps into the role of the popular, ambitious, and bubbly witch, marking her return to musical theater.
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz: The veteran actor plays the enigmatic and powerful ruler of the Emerald City.
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: The Oscar-winning actress portrays the headmistress of Shiz University, whose decisions significantly influence Elphaba and Glinda's fates.
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: The *Bridgerton* star plays the charming and carefree prince who becomes the love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda.

2. The Modern Cinematic Remake: Kenya Barris’ *The Wizard of Oz*

Separate from the *Wicked* prequel, a completely new, official cinematic remake of *The Wizard of Oz* is also in development. This project is authorized by Warner Bros. and is set to be directed by Kenya Barris, the creator of the hit series *Black-ish*. Barris has indicated that his take will be a modern, reimagined version of the classic tale. While details on the plot and casting are still under tight wraps, the announcement signals a commitment to a fresh, contemporary interpretation of Dorothy’s journey. This remake is expected to explore the themes of home, courage, and self-discovery through a 21st-century lens, offering a distinct contrast to the musical fantasy of *Wicked*. The goal is to bring the core story of L. Frank Baum's *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* to a new generation who may not connect with the 1939 film's aesthetic.

3. The Music-Infused TV Series: *Dorothy* (Prime Video)

The Oz universe is also expanding into episodic television with a unique project titled *Dorothy*, being developed for Prime Video. This is a music-infused young adult (YA) retelling of the classic story, with a focus on modern themes and a contemporary setting. The project is being produced by an unexpected duo: country music star Blake Shelton and pop icon Gwen Stefani. While they are behind the scenes as producers, their involvement suggests a strong emphasis on the musical elements of the series. *Dorothy* is being developed by Gina Matthews, known for producing *13 Going On 30*, and is expected to offer a fresh, high-school-centric, or coming-of-age perspective on the characters and world of Oz, potentially set in the modern day. This series will provide a completely different tone and style from both the *Wicked* films and the Barris remake.

4. The Immersive Experience: *The Wizard of Oz* at Sphere (2025)

For fans looking for an entirely new way to experience the magic of Oz, an innovative project is launching in Las Vegas. *The Wizard of Oz at Sphere* is a 4D immersive film experience set to debut in 2025 at the high-tech Las Vegas Sphere venue. This project is a collaboration between Warner Bros., Sphere Studios, Google Cloud, and DeepMind, utilizing cutting-edge AI and cloud technology to reimagine the 1939 classic. The goal is to create a multi-sensory, "immersive" version of the film, leveraging the Sphere's massive, wraparound screen and advanced sound system to put the audience directly into the journey along the Yellow Brick Road. This technological marvel represents the future of cinematic entertainment, turning the beloved story into a fully enveloping, next-generation experience. The sheer volume and diversity of these new projects—from the star-studded musical prequel *Wicked* to the modern Barris remake and the innovative Sphere experience—solidify the enduring cultural impact of the Land of Oz. The next two years promise to be a momentous period for the franchise, ensuring that the stories of Elphaba, Glinda, and Dorothy continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.