Wickedis defying gravity and taking the world by storm.Part 1 ofThe Wizard of Ozprequeleffectively captures the hearts of critics and audiences as it hits theaters, withthe film already seeing green with a solid early box office haul. Anticipation forWicked: Part 2is practically inevitable, given the musical adaptation’s apparent popularity. Unfortunately, fans will have to be patient, as the second half of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda’s (Ariana Grande) story is set to be released one year from now. However, if you’re looking to scratch the itch for more prequel stories forThe Wizard of Oz, Disney+ now has an entirely different kind of tale from a legendary filmmaker.
Directed bySam Raimi, themastermind behind the originalEvil DeadandSpider-Mantrilogies, 2013’sOz the Great and Powerfulis now available to stream on Disney+, just in time forWicked. WhereJon M. Chu’s newly released musical explores the unexpected beginnings of the Wicked Witch of the West, Sam Raimi’s origin story shines a spotlight on how an ambitious con artist tricked a magical world into thinking he’s a mystical being (although the origins of a particular trio of witches are included as well).Oz the Great and Powerfuldivided critics and audiences upon release, earning a not-so “Great and Powerful” score of56% on Rotten Tomatoes. Sam Raimi even took an extended hiatus from directing feature films after making the divisive prequel but made a welcome return to the medium with Marvel’sDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Raimi is also set to return tohorror directing with the castaway thrillerSend Help.
What is ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ About?
Oz the Great and Powerfulprimarily follows the unexpected journey of Oscar Diggs (James Franco), who, before becoming a wizard, was a magician for a lowly carnival. That all changes when a massive tornado sweeps Oscar and his hot air balloon to the magical world of Oz. While he’s first welcomed to this strange and fantastical kingdom with open arms by sisters Theodora (Mila Kunis) and Evanora (Rachel Weisz), things take an unexpected turn when Oscar is tasked with finding and stopping an alleged wicked witch named Glinda (Michelle Williams). When Glinda turns out not to be wicked, that’s just the first of many revelations that will change Oz forever.
Oz the Great and Powerfulis available to stream now on Disney+. For more updates on the Land of Oz andWicked: Part 2, stay tuned to Collider.
Oz the Great and Powerful
Watch on Disney+
