James Franco heading to Oz?

by Liam Goodwin on February 5, 2011 · 1 comment

james franco 127 hoursAccording to Heat Vision Oscar nominee and Oscar host James Franco is in early talks to reunite with his Spider-Man director Sam Raimi for Oz, the Great and Powerful.

Raimi signed up to direct last year with Robert Downey Jr. circling, but he’s busy in Marvel land so had to bail. Naturally Disney turned to Johnny Depp, but he’s already been there, done that with Alice in Wonderland. So now Franco is the their next choice, and it’s an interesting one.

Oz, the Great and Powerful follows a circus wrangler who is transported by a tornado to the mysterious world of Oz. Once there he gets mistaken for a know-it-all, and eventually becomes the Wizard of Oz.

Heat Vision says Franco was only offered the role recently and hasn’t had chance to meet with Raimi yet, but knowing Franco’s career choices he’ll jump at the chance (if it doesn’t conflict with his TV soap appearances).

Oz, the Great and Powerful doesn’t have a start date or release date, but the movie is apparently a high priority for the studio and they hope to start production in the second half of 2011.

Can you imagine Franco playing the Wizard of Oz? Or should they just give Sam Rockwell a call?

  • Trevorlopolis Bornholz

    It would be an interesting role, i’m sure he could play the part well. Still sort of surprised that Downey had to back out, bit weird? As for Johnny Depp been there, done that, last time i checked these are two different stories. Anyhow i’m sure i’ll enjoy the flick, so far every movie i have seen by Sam Raimi i have enjoyed (note: i have not seen Spider-Man 3). Also Franco has sort of a history with Raimi, so if that was good (similar to how Bruce Campbell has done quite a few movies with Raimi) then he might take the offer and be Oz.