The Best Wizard of Oz Adaptation Ever is Headed to Peacock in March (And It’s Not Wicked)

by

L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a story that lends itself beautifully to different versions. Since its publication in 1900, it’s been adapted for the stage and screen countless times, starting with a popular musical in 1902 that eventually made its way to Broadway. Recently, fans enjoyed Wicked: For Good, the second part of Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked. Despite the many versions over the past century, one adaptation stands out as potentially the best—and now it will be available on Peacock.

As a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz, I’m thrilled that The Wiz is becoming more accessible starting March 1st! It’s a fantastic reimagining of the classic story, directed by Sidney Lumet and based on the Broadway musical. What I love most is that it features a completely African American cast and brings a really cool, urban vibe to the familiar tale. Honestly, it’s a must-see for any Oz enthusiast – though it didn’t always get the appreciation it deserved when it first came out.

The Wiz Was a Critical and Box Office Failure (And In Retrospect, Both Audiences and Critics Were Wrong)

I absolutely love how The Wiz takes the classic Wizard of Oz story and completely reimagines it! Instead of Kansas, it’s set in Harlem, and Dorothy isn’t a little girl anymore – she’s a 24-year-old teacher. The story starts on Thanksgiving when her dog, Toto, bolts out the door during a snowstorm and somehow transports her to this amazing, magical version of Oz. It’s wild because she accidentally squashes the Wicked Witch of the East, Evermean, the moment she arrives, and then she has to travel to the Emerald City to find the Wiz, hoping he can help her get back home. It’s such a creative twist on a familiar tale!

The 1978 film The Wiz faced several hurdles during its production. Although Diana Ross was cast as Dorothy, Berry Gordy, head of Motown Productions, thought she was too old for the part. Her casting even led to a change in directors, with Sidney Lumet replacing John Badham. Ross wasn’t the only casting choice that caused debate. Director Sidney Lumet preferred Jimmie Walker for the role of the Scarecrow, and even Quincy Jones, who oversaw the film’s music and served as a producer, had reservations about casting Michael Jackson in the part.

When The Wiz was released, both critics and general audiences had doubts about it. Many critics thought Diana Ross was poorly suited for her role, and others found the movie lacked the energy of the original stage production, resulting in a disappointing experience. Ultimately, the film was a commercial failure, earning only $21 million despite costing $24 million to make.

Over the years, people have been revisiting and appreciating The Wiz with fresh eyes. The film boasts a fantastic soundtrack and some truly memorable performances. While “Ease On Down the Road” is its most famous song, Michael Jackson’s rendition of “You Can’t Win” is particularly iconic. Initial criticisms of the acting weren’t entirely fair, either. Jackson delivers a complex and touching performance as the Scarecrow, and Diana Ross, though sometimes a bit stiff as Dorothy, uses that quality to make her character’s journey and development even more impactful.

Unlike other versions, The Wiz reimagines the story with a vibrant, Afrofuturist aesthetic, offering a fresh and culturally rich experience. It’s a visually stunning film that beautifully celebrates Black art and fashion. While it initially received negative reviews, The Wiz is now rightfully recognized as a bold, unique, and significant take on a classic story – it’s much more than just a retread of familiar territory.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/list/every-sci-fi-fantasy-movie-based-on-richard-matheson-books/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-27 18:12