Audiences in Canada and the United States will see a fresh entry in the Oz saga that reframes how the Wizard came to power. Oz the Great and Powerful is a prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, setting up the moment when a sharp eyed illusionist named Oscar Diggs becomes the legendary Wizard of Oz. James Franco plays Diggs, a quick witted showman who survives a tornado and lands in the emerald landscapes that shimmer with danger and possibility. The journey is not a simple ascent — he faces witches who test his resolve, and his magic gradually reveals a bigger purpose beyond mere tricks. Theodora, portrayed by Mila Kunis, Evanora, portrayed by Rachel Weisz, and Glinda, portrayed by Michelle Williams, join him on this wild path as vivid, memorable characters who shape the fate of the entire kingdom. The visuals pop with contemporary effects and imaginative design, inviting Canadians and Americans to experience a land where wonder and risk walk hand in hand. The film respects the original story while expanding on the backstory that makes the Oz universe feel both timeless and newly minted for modern audiences. This is a tale about becoming who you are, not just about conjuring spells, and it asks viewers to measure courage against ego in a world that rewards both fearlessness and restraint. A powerful prequel that completes the circle that began almost eight decades earlier, this film adds depth to the familiar yellow brick road and the characters who inhabit it. Citation: Disney press materials
Fans waited for the official full length trailer, which delivers a dazzling peek at the world of Oz before the road to the great and powerful wizard is followed. The trailer hints at the film’s blend of whimsy and danger, with scenes that showcase the vibrant kingdoms, the menacing shadows of the witches, and the moment when Diggs’ stagecraft collides with genuine magic. The project comes from a modern binding of storytelling and cinema craft led by director Sam Raimi, with a production team that emphasizes bold visual storytelling, practical effects meshed with CGI, and a score that underscores the emotional stakes. The cast also includes glimpses of familiar archetypes reinterpreted for a new audience, while keeping a sense of wonder that will resonate with fans of the 1939 film and new viewers alike. The result promises a cinematic experience that works as a standalone adventure and as a key piece in the broader Oz narrative, a bridge between past and present that feels both respectful and adventurous. This is not just a children’s fantasy; it invites families and older fans to rethink what an origin story can be when magic meets misdirection and moral choices become the compass for destiny. Citation: Disney press materials
Released to theatres in March 2013, Oz the Great and Powerful invites audiences to witness the origin of the legendary Wizard of Oz on the big screen. The early chapters of Oscar Diggs take him from illusionist to a figure of genuine power as he learns the limits of illusion and the responsibilities that come with leadership. The tale introduces Theodora, Evanora, and Glinda with new depth, and it invites viewers to consider how power can be both mesmerizing and dangerous. The film’s production design, costume work, and digital craftsmanship aim to offer a lush, immersive experience that complements the emotional core of the story. The full length trailer is a gateway to the wonder and mischief that await, a promise that the journey will feel epic yet intimate, and that the film will be a memorable addition to the Oz canon for audiences across Canada and the United States. Those who saw the trailer ahead of the film’s release were treated to a glimpse of the emerald city’s glitter, a tornado’s fury, and a cast of characters who balance charm with menace, a combination that sets the stage for a memorable big screen chapter in the enduring Oz legend. For more context about the film’s development and its connections to the beloved classic, industry notes from Disney can be consulted. Citation: Disney press materials